The Episcopal Diocese of Liwolo has appealed for urgent humanitarian assistance after an estimated 10,000 people were displaced by renewed violence in Central Equatoria State’s Kajo-Keji County along the South Sudan-Uganda border, leaving thousands of families in desperate need of food, shelter and medical care.
In a humanitarian appeal issued on Thursday, the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Liwolo, the Rt. Rev. Joseph Aba said the mass displacement followed what he described as an attack by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) in the Andejoga area and continued threats of attacks on Pure Goloko and Nyayengamuda.
“The Episcopal Diocese of Liwolo issued this urgent humanitarian appeal following the recent armed hostility that has caused a large-scale displacement estimated at 10,000 people,” he said.
According to the bishop, thousands of civilians fled their homes, fearing for their lives, and are now sheltering around St. Paul Cathedral in Sokare Boma, Mangalutore Primary School, and Kerua Boma. He said most of the displaced are women, children, elderly people, and other vulnerable groups who escaped with few or no belongings.
“The displaced population is living in overcrowded conditions with urgent needs for food, clean drinking water, emergency shelter, blankets, cooking utensils, clothing, sanitation facilities, medicine and protection services,” he said.
Bishop Aba warned that many families have been sleeping in the open without adequate shelter, exposing children, pregnant women, nursing mothers, older people and persons with disabilities to hunger, disease, trauma and harsh weather.
“We therefore make this an honest appeal to humanitarian agencies, our churches, faith-based organisations, government institutions, development partners, charitable organisations and people of goodwill to urgently stand with the suffering families, particularly the children,” he said.
The bishop listed emergency food assistance, safe drinking water, temporary shelters, blankets, sleeping mats, mosquito nets, household items, medical supplies, healthcare services, sanitation materials, and protection services for women and children among the immediate priorities.
He also appealed for a peaceful resolution to the long-running border dispute between South Sudan and Uganda, saying civilians continue to bear the brunt of recurring violence.
“We continue to ask you to pray for peace on this border that has cost many lives, caused people to suffer, and forced many to lose their land,” Bishop Aba said. “We pray that peace will prevail between the governments of Uganda and South Sudan so that this issue of the border is resolved once and for all.”
The bishop said the continued insecurity has left communities traumatised and displaced, urging authorities and humanitarian partners to act swiftly to prevent further suffering.
“Our people are in pain, our people are suffering,” he said.