By Waure Eddy
The Catholic Diocese of Tambura-Yambio joyfully welcomed back its shepherd, His Lordship Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala, after nearly two months of official duties abroad.
The bishop had been attending the annual board meeting of the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) and the Bishops’ Conference, before traveling to Malakal in solidarity with communities affected by conflict.
The vicar general, priests, and diocesan staff gathered to receive Bishop Hiiboro with warmth and gratitude, marking his return as a moment of celebration for the faithful.
Speaking about his time at CUEA, Bishop Hiiboro highlighted the positive strides made across Catholic universities in Eastern Africa. He expressed particular pride in graduates from Yambio who excelled among their peers.
“One of the good news was that among the graduates were our own from Yambio, Father Luis and another student performed exceptionally well, and even Gbodoro the diocesan electrician, surprised us by ranking second best. It was such an encouragement,” the bishop said.
He emphasized the importance of education despite financial challenges, noting that two students managed to represent the diocese at the graduation ceremony.
Following the board meeting, Bishop Hiiboro traveled to Malakal, where he joined Bishop Stephen in ministering to communities rebuilding from the devastation of war.
He described Malakal as a region rich in natural resources but deeply scarred by conflict. Visiting the Protection of Civilians (POC) site, he witnessed firsthand the suffering of displaced families living in overcrowded conditions, dependent on external aid for survival.
“Anybody who wants war should first go to Malakal and see what war has done, the pain is too much, people are suffering,” Bishop Hiiboro remarked, urging prayers and solidarity for those enduring hardship.
During the Bishops’ Conference, the clergy issued a statement calling on the government to intensify efforts toward peace. Bishop Hiiboro stressed that the Church’s presence in Malakal was a deliberate act of solidarity, meant to stand with the people in their struggles.
The bishop also joined fellow clergy in Sudan, where he listened to stories of displacement and conflict. Bishop Triller urged them to share widely the plight of Sudanese refugees, while Bishop Didi was unable to attend due to unavoidable circumstances.
Now back in Tambura-Yambio, Bishop Hiiboro’s return has re-invigorated the diocese. His reflections on education, peace, and solidarity serve as a reminder of the Church’s mission to uplift communities through faith, learning, and compassion.
Hiiboro also gives his condolence massage to the people who lost their beloved ones during the gunshots in Yambio last week, and call for peace in Western Equatoria State at large.
He finally urged the South Sudan leaders to work for peace so that citizens can enjoy the development in the nation.
The diocese looks forward to continuing its pastoral work under his guidance, inspired by his experiences and strengthened by his call to unity and prayer for the nation.
