By Amos Mongu Dessi Anisa,
St. John Catholic University (SJCU) in Yambio has formally affiliated its agricultural programs with Uganda Martyrs University (UMU), marking a significant step towards addressing chronic food insecurity and unemployment in Western Equatoria State. The partnership was cemented on Thursday 24th 2025 during a high-level visit by a UMU delegation to the South Sudanese campus.
The affiliation, focused specifically on agricultural sciences, follows an initial introduction of UMU to SJCU senior management on 3rd July 2025. The agreement aims to leverage UMU’s established expertise to develop local agricultural education and capacity.
Fr. Basana Alfred, SJCU’s Director of Academic and Research, underscored the urgent necessity driving the collaboration during a welcoming ceremony. “Our citizens are in desperate need of agricultural education,” Fr. Basana stated. “We aim to equip our people with practical skills to secure employment – diversifying beyond traditional white-collar jobs – as a fundamental strategy to eradicate hunger in our state. We are committed to implementing UMU’s proven methodologies to achieve these vital objectives.”
Expressing optimism for the partnership’s long-term impact, Fr. Basana added, “With UMU’s collaboration and support, we aspire to reach their level of excellence in agricultural education.”
Rev. Dr. Joseph Buchana Kisoga, Academic Registrar of Uganda Martyrs University, confirmed the swift progression of the affiliation. “Following productive discussions with SJCU leadership on July 3rd, it was agreed that a UMU delegation should visit Yambio without delay,” Dr. Kisoga explained. “I made a commitment to be here today, and I am pleased to honor that promise.”
Representing the Diocese of Tombura-Yambio and its Bishop, Edward Hiiboro Kussala, who was absent, Chancellor Fr. Dominic Sasa extended a warm welcome to the Ugandan delegation. “On behalf of bishop and myself, we express profound gratitude for this partnership. Welcome to Yambio; please consider yourselves at home,” Fr. Sasa said.
Highlighting the diocese’s resilience, Fr. Sasa noted its centenary, celebrated in 2012, and assured the visitors of the area’s stability: “Despite the broader challenges facing South Sudan, Yambio remains a beacon of peace. Feel secure and move freely.”
Fr. Sasa credited Bishop Kussala’s vision as the cornerstone of the university and this new venture. “We deeply thank the bishop, even in his absence, for his foresight and unwavering commitment. Today, we witness the fruits of his labour as God blesses us through UMU, bringing invaluable knowledge essential for our people’s progress.”
The UMU delegation is scheduled for an intensive seven-day working visit to Yambio. Fr. Sasa pledged SJCU’s full cooperation, stating, “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.”
This affiliation 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.
