By Sr. Laurencila Akinyi, FSSA
The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio, the Most Reverend Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala, has issued a powerful appeal on the third anniversary of the disappearance of Reverend Father Luke Yugue and his driver, Mr. Michael Gbeko, calling for truth, justice, and accountability while directing that Holy Masses be celebrated annually in their memory.
In a statement issued on April 27, 2026, marking three years since the painful and unresolved disappearance of the priest and his driver, Bishop Hiiboro described the period as three years of silence, three years of unanswered questions, and three years of a wound that refuses to heal.
The Bishop said that as the years go by, eyes remain fixed on the road, waiting to see, to hear, to feel, and to be assured of any truth about the missing brothers and children. He emphasized that while time has passed, the questions have not, the pain has not, and the longing has not.
Bishop Hiiboro remembered the disappeared not only with sorrow but with faith, courage, and an unyielding commitment to truth and justice. He described Father Luke as a servant of the Gospel, a shepherd dedicated to Christ’s mission of peace, reconciliation, and hope, while Michael Gbeko was his companion in service who walked faithfully beside him.
A National Wound
The Bishop emphasized that the two men did not belong only to their families or to the Church but to all South Sudanese. He declared that their disappearance is not a private loss but a national wound and a moral test for society.
With urgency, Bishop Hiiboro repeated his earlier appeal: the Church is still looking for them, still seeking the truth, and still demanding justice. He pleaded for help, saying that people need to know what went wrong, need truth rather than silence, and need accountability rather than uncertainty.
Addressing the government at all levels, Bishop Hiiboro spoke with what he described as pastoral responsibility and moral clarity. He called on authorities to do what is proper to their mandate, deliver justice, restore peace of mind, and exercise leadership worthy of the dignity of the people. He emphasized that authority is not only power but responsibility before God and before history.
Truth Cannot Be Buried Forever
Quoting Scripture, the Bishop reminded all that nothing is hidden that will not be disclosed, nor anything secret that will not become known and come to light. He proclaimed that truth cannot be buried forever and that justice delayed is not justice denied eternally.
Bishop Hiiboro stood in solidarity with the families who carry the unbearable burden of not knowing, describing their suffering as deep, silent, and unmeasurable. Yet even in this darkness, he proclaimed that silence must not be the end of justice.
The Bishop also remembered that Father Luke and Michael are not alone, noting that across South Sudan many have disappeared, many lives have been taken lightly, and many families continue to cry in silence. He affirmed that their tears are not invisible to God, quoting the Psalm that the Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Prayers and Gratitude
Bishop Hiiboro assured the entire Diocese of Tombura-Yambio, the fraternity of priests, and the families of the disappeared of unceasing prayers. He entrusted them to the loving care of God, asking Him to strengthen them in faith, sustain them in hope, and protect them in all circumstances.
To the international community and all people of goodwill, the Bishop expressed sincere gratitude for standing with South Sudan in prayer, solidarity, and support during this dark chapter of history. He described their presence as a light in darkness but humbly asked them to continue standing not only in sympathy but in the pursuit of truth and justice.
A Call for Responsibility and Change
Bishop Hiiboro declared that this is not a time for blame alone but for responsibility, not a time for silence but for courage, not a time for forgetting but for faithful remembrance. He called for building a culture where life is protected, where no one disappears without accountability, where justice is not selective, and where peace is rooted in truth. Quoting the prophet Amos, he declared that justice must roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.
Annual Masses Directed
In a significant directive, Bishop Hiiboro ordered that Holy Masses be celebrated annually on the day of the disappearance of Reverend Father Luke Yugue and Mr. Michael Gbeko. He instructed that these Masses include special intentions for them and for all South Sudanese who have gone missing.
The Bishop called for prayers for justice, truth, peace in the nation, the protection of life, and the healing of all wounded hearts. He also called for prayers for the conversion of hearts, that those who know the truth may have the courage to reveal it, and that those responsible may be moved toward accountability and repentance.
Message to Families
To the families of the disappeared, Bishop Hiiboro declared that they are not alone, that the Church walks with them, carries their pain in prayers, and holds their hope in hearts. He said the blood of the innocent cries out not for revenge but for justice, dignity, and peace, noting that as in the Book of Genesis, the voice of innocent blood rises to God, and God listens.
The Bishop concluded by declaring that this anniversary should not mark the fading of memory but the strengthening of resolve. He proclaimed that silence will not prevail, truth will not be buried, and justice will not be denied forever.
Bishop Hiiboro ended his statement with the traditional prayer for the deceased, asking for eternal rest and perpetual light for Father Luke, Michael Gbeko, and the souls of all the disappeared, signing the document on behalf of millions whose voices cry for justice in South Sudan.
The disappearance of Father Luke Yugue and Michael Gbeko remains one of the most painful unresolved cases affecting the Catholic Church in South Sudan. Their disappearance has become symbolic of broader issues of impunity, lack of accountability, and the vulnerability of civilians, including clergy, in contexts of insecurity and weak rule of law.
Bishop Hiiboro’s annual commemoration directive ensures that the case will not be forgotten and that the Church will continue to advocate for truth and justice. His statement reflects the prophetic role of the Church in speaking for the voiceless and demanding accountability from those in positions of authority.
As South Sudan continues its difficult journey toward peace and stability, cases like this remind the nation of the fundamental importance of protecting human life, ensuring justice for victims, and building institutions that can provide security and accountability for all citizens.
