Tombura-Yambio, 29 July, 2025 / 4:32 PM
The Yambio Campus of St. John Catholic University of South Sudan (SJCU) has officially linked its agricultural programs with Uganda Martyrs University (UMU) to equip learners with practical skills aimed at tackling food insecurity in South Sudan’s Western Equatoria State.
In a Monday, July 28 report following a high-level visit by a UMU delegation to the South Sudanese campus, SJCU’s Director of Academic and Research said that South Sudanese are in dire need of agricultural education.
“Our citizens are in desperate need of agricultural education. We aim to equip our people with practical skills to secure employment,” Fr. Basana Alfred said following the high level meeting that led to the signing of the cooperation between the two institutions.
He underlined the need to create diversity beyond traditional white-collar jobs, as a strategy to eradicate hunger in the South Sudanese state.
“We are committed to implementing UMU’s proven methodologies to achieve these vital objectives. With UMU’s collaboration and support, we aspire to reach their level of excellence in agricultural education,” he said.
The affiliation between the two institutions focused specifically on agricultural sciences.
The agreement aims to leverage UMU’s established expertise to develop local agricultural education and capacity.
On his part, the Academic Registrar of UMU, Fr. Joseph Buchana Kisoga, confirmed the swift progression of the affiliation.
“Following productive discussions with SJCU leadership on July 3, it was agreed that a UMU delegation should visit Yambio without delay,” Fr Kisoga said, and added, “I made a commitment to be here today, and I am pleased to honor that promise.”
Fr. Dominic Sasa, who represented Bishop Edward Hiiboro Kussala of South Sudan’s Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio (CDTY) is said to have welcomed the Ugandan delegation and lauded the partnership, saying, “Despite the broader challenges facing South Sudan, Yambio remains a beacon of peace. Feel secure and move freely.”
“We deeply thank the Bishop, even in his absence, for his foresight and unwavering commitment,” Fr. Sasa said, and added, “Today, we witness the fruits of his labour as God blesses us through UMU, bringing invaluable knowledge essential for our people’s progress.”
Reflecting on the planned intensive seven-day working visit to Yambio by the UMU delegation Fr. Sasa pledged SJCU’s full cooperation, saying, “We have an ambitious agenda for these next seven days and stand ready to provide all necessary materials requested by our partners. Our focus is firmly on achieving concrete outcomes.”
According to the July 28 report, the affiliation between the two Catholic universities represents a strategic investment in South Sudan’s future.
By harnessing UMU’s agricultural expertise, SJCU Yambio aims to develop a robust curriculum designed to empower students with practical, market-relevant skills.”
“The partnership’s core objectives are clear: fostering diverse employment opportunities, building local agricultural capacity, and directly tackling the critical issue of food insecurity across Western Equatoria State,” the July 28 report indicates.
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