Musema High School, deeply rooted in the Baptist identity—where the first Baptist church in Burundi was founded and where the first printing of the well-known hymn book Kirundi Cantique took place in 1946—is in mourning after a student died in a tragic fire, on the morning of Tuesday November 25th, 2025.
According to Police and information gathered through the officials, a student died during tragic fire. In addition, various school materials were completely consumed by the fire.
“The fire started between 6:15 AM and 6:20 AM, during the students’ morning study time.” The police stated.
Pontien Kubwayo, the school principal said: “One student died in the fire, and no one realized she was still inside because others had seen her earlier going to bathe like others.”
These students had temporarily relocated after their original dormitory burned down just last week. During the night of Tuesday to Wednesday, with everything inside destroyed. Pontien Kubwayo revealed.
The previous fire had occurred on the night of November 18
Police says it is suspected that the fire may have been caused by faulty electrical wiring. However, investigations are ongoing to determine the real cause of these repeated fire incidents.
Authorities say it is concerning and unclear why the fires keep recurring in such a short time frame.
A local pastor expressed his grief to The Baptist Chronicle, saying, “It is deeply sorrowful and painful to witness such a loss, especially at a place with so much spiritual and historical significance for our church.”
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This tragic loss occurs, as Baptist Union in Burundi is preparing for the ordination of new pastors, an event scheduled for mid-February 2026, which was planned to take place at Musema.
In addition, Musema was selected as the venue for the upcoming pastoral ordination because the commonly used site—Ngagara Parish in Bujumbura—is currently under construction. Ngagara is undertaking a major project to build a mega church in preparation for its 100th anniversary celebration in 2028.
“As the parish is now in a building phase, Musema was selected as a suitable alternative due to its historical significance to the Baptist Church in Burundi”, revealed a Baptist pastor under the status of anonymity.
Adding to the weight of the situation, secondary schools across the country are beginning their first term exams this Monday, November 24, 2025. The timing of these overlapping events has brought further concern and sorrow to both the educational and faith communities.
About Musema Baptist Center
The Baptist Church was established in Burundi in 1928 by Danish Baptist missionaries, initially settled in MUSEMA, in the province of Kayanza (actual Butanyerera), on sites previously occupied by German Protestants who had just left Burundi after the First World War.
Since then, Musema became a key center for evangelism, education, and healthcare.
The missionaries planted churches, established schools, and hospitals. In 1946, the first Kirundi hymn book (Cantique) was printed at Musema. It marked a significant step in the development of Christian worship in the local language.
Over time, the mission transitioned leadership to local Burundians. The first ordained Burundian baptist pastors were trained and ordained, forming a national church structure. Baptist churches in Burundi are full member of the Baptist World Alliance (BWA), connecting them to the global Baptist community.
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