By Wen Amos Mongu
The Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio (CDTY), in partnership with international donors CAFOD and Trocaire, officially launched a one-year emergency and conflict response program aimed at supporting internally displaced persons (IDPs) across 10 camps in Yambio and Nzara counties.
Led by the Diocese’s development arm, CODEP, the project is designed to provide urgent humanitarian support to 200 households and promote community resilience through agricultural empowerment. Key components of the program include: Cash distribution using vouchers, Agricultural training for IDPs, Improved access to food, Reduced dependence on food aid.
The project will operate with a seven-member team, including: Finance personnel, technical staff, Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) staff, Cleaners, Guards, and Drivers
CODEP Director Fr. Charles Mbikoyo explained that while the required documentation was complete, audit reports were still pending—a crucial requirement from the partners to ensure transparency and compliance. He emphasized the project’s role as an emergency response initiative and called on the community to rally behind CODEP, pledging a committed and diligent implementation.
Fr. Anthony Bangoya, the Diocesan Financial Director, thanked Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala for bringing CAFOD back to the diocese. He assured partners that this time, results will be visible and measurable, stating confidently, “There’s no turning back.”
Visiting consultant Ezibon Kenyi Morbe from Juba provided a technical review of the project’s budget and shared insights from local market dynamics. He noted inconsistencies in pricing among traders selling the same items and emphasized on the importance of honest engagement with the community, the need for inclusive targeting beyond persons with disabilities, the necessity of clear communication and donor consultation for any budgetary changes, and the value of preserving traditional seeds to boost local agriculture.
He acknowledged the budget’s adequacy for current operations, but cautioned that it was limited in scope to support broader diocesan activities.
Closing the launch, Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala called on all present to remain united in prayer, work, and faith, encouraging everyone to continue believing in their shared mission and core values.
“We believe in ourselves, our capacity, our vision,” he said. “We must move forward with courage, amending our structures and renewing our purpose.”
The bishop acknowledged and thanked Fr. Charles Mbikoyo and his administrative team for their consistency and commitment, describing them as a “small but unforgettable team” poised to achieve great impact with partners like CAFOD.
He extended special appreciation to Eastbourne, the partner representative, noting CAFOD’s historic role in supporting education in the diocese dating back to the 1970s. He described the new project as just “the tip of the iceberg”, promising that the Diocese is ready for growth and serious progress.
Bishop Hiiboro also reminded the audience not to be defined by past mistakes:
“Even if there are hundreds of mistakes, do not let them keep you down. Let them be lessons. Pick up your tools and move forward. We will go beyond the galaxies.”
