JUBA – The South Sudan Media Authority on Sunday paid glowing tribute to its beloved Director General for Information and Media Compliance, Mr. Sapana Agyuli Abuyi, praising his exemplary leadership, dedication, and commitment to strengthening media regulation and promoting press freedom in Africa’s youngest nation.
Abuyi passed away on July 4, 2026, at Gudele Hospital at the age of 66. He had been receiving treatment after sustaining a severe head injury in a fall, which resulted in a fractured skull. He later succumbed to his injuries.
Ajou Luol Akuei, Managing Director of the Media Authority, described Abuyi’s passing as a tremendous loss to the Media Authority, the media fraternity, and South Sudan as a whole.
“As we mourn this painful loss, we also celebrate the life of a distinguished leader, an accomplished public servant, and a dedicated patriot whose unwavering commitment to national service touched countless lives,” Luol said in condolence message issues on Sunday.
He said the late director general recently sustained a serious head injury after a fall, resulting in a fractured skull.
Luol explained that Abuyi was initially admitted to Hai Mauna Hospital, where he received treatment for high blood pressure before being transferred to Gudele Hospital to undergo specialized neurosurgery.
Following the operation, he remained under close medical care for several days.
Despite the tireless efforts of the medical team, Luol said Abuyi’s condition later deteriorated after he suffered a stroke and peacefully died on the night of July 4, 2026.
Luol said that throughout his career, he devoted himself wholeheartedly to advancing the media sector in South Sudan.
“His visionary leadership, integrity, and tireless commitment significantly strengthened the Media Authority and contributed immensely to promoting a free, responsible, and professional media landscape,” he said.
Luol said his dedication to institutional development and media reform has left a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire future generations of journalists and public servants.
“In every public office he held, he exemplified humility, wisdom, and selfless service, always placing the interests of the people and the nation above all else.”
Luol also conveyed the media authority’s heartfelt appreciation to former managing director Elijah Alier Kuai for standing by Abuyi throughout his illness until the day he passed away.
“He remembers the late director general as a respected leader, a dependable colleague, and a patriotic servant whose contributions to the institution and the country will remain unforgettable,” he said.
“As the Media Authority family, we have lost not only our director general but also a mentor, a visionary, and a guiding leader.”
Luol said Abuyi’s death has left an irreplaceable void that will be deeply felt within the Media Authority and throughout South Sudan’s media fraternity.
“While we grieve his departure, we remain committed to upholding the principles, professionalism, and vision that he championed throughout his distinguished career,” he said.
Before joining the Media Authority, he served the nation with honor and distinction as the Deputy Governor of Western Equatoria State.
