By Waure Eddy
Refugees and returnees in Source-Yubu Payam have received much-needed food and non-food items under the Humanitarian Emergency Assistance to Refugees and Returnees project, bringing hope and relief to families who have endured months without support.
The initiative, funded by the Caritas Network and implemented by the Catholic Organization for Development and Peace in the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio, began distribution activities on March 27-28, 2026, targeting vulnerable populations displaced by conflict and insecurity in the region.
During the briefing, Mr. Gibson Kamilio Bakuyo, CODEP’s Humanitarian Coordinator, expressed deep appreciation to Bishop Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio for his compassion toward suffering communities. He acknowledged that while the current support does not fully meet the needs of refugees and returnees, it represents a vital lifeline and a promise of more assistance to come.
Kamilio noted that the project is scheduled to run for one and a half months, with the possibility of extension if resources allow. He also commended CODEP’s director for the organization’s consistent dedication to humanitarian work, which has made it a trusted partner in responding to displacement crises across Western Equatoria State.
Mr. Jorom Bati, Relief and Rehabilitation Commission Coordinator, welcomed the initiative, stressing that the food and non-food items will significantly assist refugees and returnees who have endured months without support. He emphasized the critical timing of the intervention, as many displaced families have exhausted their limited resources and are struggling to meet basic needs.
Refugee Madam Suzan Mario Tito highlighted the importance of the aid, explaining that since arriving in Source-Yubu two to three months ago, displaced families had not received any assistance until now. She expressed deep appreciation for the support, thanking CODEP and the Caritas Network for standing with refugees during this difficult time.
Returnee Congo Daniel echoed these sentiments, thanking the Bishop for making the distribution possible. He said the support is vital and that while it may not solve all their problems, it is better than nothing and will help families significantly in meeting their immediate needs.
Another returnee, Mboni Rodrigo, also expressed gratitude, emphasizing that the items will ease their struggles and provide some relief as they work to rebuild their lives after displacement.
The aid package distributed to beneficiaries included 55 bags of beans, 55 bags of rice, 15 bags of salt, 30 jerycans of cooking oil, 200 plastic seats, eight boxes of soap, and 200 pieces of bedding material. A total of 200 households benefited from the distribution, receiving both food and essential non-food items to help them meet their basic needs.
The distribution in Source-Yubu Payam comes at a critical time when displacement continues to affect thousands of families across Western Equatoria State. Many refugees have fled violence in neighboring countries, while returnees are South Sudanese citizens who had previously sought refuge abroad and are now attempting to reintegrate into their communities of origin.
This humanitarian effort underscores the Catholic Church’s ongoing commitment to supporting vulnerable populations in Western Equatoria State. While the needs remain vast, particularly as displacement continues and humanitarian funding remains limited, the intervention has brought hope and relief to many families in Source-Yubu Payam who had been struggling without assistance.
CODEP, operating under the auspices of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio, has been at the forefront of humanitarian response in the region, implementing multiple projects to support internally displaced persons, refugees, returnees, and host communities affected by conflict and insecurity. The organization’s partnership with the Caritas Network enables it to reach vulnerable populations with life-saving assistance and contribute to longer-term recovery and resilience.
As the project continues over the coming weeks, CODEP and its partners remain committed to advocating for increased support to address the ongoing humanitarian needs in Western Equatoria State and to ensure that the most vulnerable members of society are not forgotten in the midst of protracted crisis.
