St. John's Yambio Campus

𝘾𝘼𝙏𝙃𝙊𝙇𝙄𝘾 𝙐𝙉𝙄𝙑𝙀𝙍𝙎𝙄𝙏𝙔 𝙊𝙁 𝙎𝙊𝙐𝙏𝙃 𝙎𝙐𝘿𝘼𝙉 𝙊𝙋𝙀𝙉𝙎 𝙉𝙀𝙒 𝙁𝘼𝘾𝙐𝙇𝙏𝙄𝙀𝙎 𝘼𝙏 𝙔𝘼𝙈𝘽𝙄𝙊 𝘾𝘼𝙈𝙋𝙐𝙎 𝙏𝙊 𝙀𝙓𝙋𝘼𝙉𝘿 𝙃𝙄𝙂𝙃𝙀𝙍 𝙀𝘿𝙐𝘾𝘼𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉 𝙊𝙋𝙋𝙊𝙍𝙏𝙐𝙉𝙄𝙏𝙄𝙀𝙎

The Catholic University of South Sudan (CATHUSS) has announced the launch of two new academic faculties at its St. John’s Yambio Campus in Western Equatoria State, aimed at expanding access to higher education and strengthening professional training in key development sectors.

The new faculties include the Faculty of Peace Studies and International Relations, and the Faculty of Agriculture and Rural Development.

According to the university, the Faculty of Peace Studies and International Relations will offer certificate, diploma, and degree programmes focusing on peacebuilding, diplomacy, conflict resolution, and international relations.

The faculty is affiliated with Hekima University College under the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA).

The Faculty of Agriculture and Rural Development will also offer certificate, diploma, and degree programmes, with emphasis on agriculture, food security, environmental stewardship, and rural development. It is affiliated with Uganda Martyrs University.

The university says admissions are currently ongoing, with studies scheduled to begin in August 2026.

Application forms can be obtained through online platforms, the Catholic Education Secretariat, all Catholic parishes, public centres, and directly at the university campus along Bakindo Road in Napere, Yambio.

CATHUSS says the expansion is part of its mission to provide quality Catholic education grounded in moral and ethical values, while equipping students with practical skills to contribute to peacebuilding and sustainable development in South Sudan.

The university operates under the slogan: “Shaping Minds, Building Peace, Transforming Society.”

Catholic University of South Sudan, St. John’s Yambio Branch has made significant strides in academic excellence and student development.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026 for their hard work, dedication, and commitment. Their efforts have paid off, and they now stand proud as graduands. Wishing them success in the next chapter of their journey.

𝗚𝗨𝗜𝗟𝗗 𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗖𝗜𝗟 𝗠𝗘𝗘𝗧𝗦 𝗧𝗢 𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗖𝗨𝗦𝗦 𝗞𝗘𝗬 𝗦𝗧𝗨𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗡𝗚𝗘𝗦 𝗔𝗧 𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗜𝗖 𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗦𝗧. 𝗝𝗢𝗛𝗡 𝗬𝗔𝗠𝗕𝗜𝗢 𝗖𝗔𝗠𝗣𝗨𝗦

𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝟕 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

The Guild Council of the Catholic University of South Sudan, St. John Yambio Campus, on Saturday held a meeting to discuss critical challenges affecting students and to find solutions on behalf of the wider student body.

The meeting was chaired by the Guild President, Gismala James, who led council members in deliberating on several academic, welfare, and administrative concerns affecting students on campus.

During the meeting, the council discussed the following key issues:

1. Submission of Work Plans
All Guild Council members were required to submit their work plans to ensure proper planning, coordination, and effective implementation of guild activities.

2. Students’ Welfare
The council discussed ways to strengthen student welfare and support systems within faculties and departments so that students can concentrate on their studies and avoid unnecessary distractions.

3. Hygiene and Academic Challenges
Members raised concerns about hygiene conditions and other academic challenges affecting students, emphasizing the need to improve the learning environment.

4. Absence of Lecturers
The council expressed concern over the absence of some lecturers during the ongoing mid-semester period, which disrupts academic schedules.
Members called on the university administration to address the issue urgently.

5. Coordination Between Class Coordinators and Lecturers
The council emphasized the need for stronger communication between class coordinators and lecturers to prevent situations where students spend money on transportation only to find that lectures have been cancelled.

6. Internet Access (Wi-Fi)
The council welcomed the availability of Wi-Fi at the new campus and agreed that students should be allowed to use the internet free of charge for research and coursework. It was also recommended that a responsible person be assigned to manage the service.

7. Shortage of Chairs in Lecture Halls
Members noted that the shortage of chairs in classrooms affects students during lectures and called for immediate action to address the problem.

8. Attendance of Guild Council Members
The council discussed the low turnout of some Guild Council members during meetings, noting that it affects productivity and risks making the council inactive.

9. Campus Security (Entry and Exit Control)
Concerns were raised about uncontrolled entry and exit on campus. Members reported that some individuals enter and leave without permission, which has led to cases of missing items.

10. Communication Between Students and Lecturers
The council highlighted the lack of effective communication and cooperation between students and lecturers, which delays academic activities and forces students to incur unnecessary transport costs.

11. Shortage of Lecturers
The council noted that some lecturers have stopped teaching, which negatively affects students’ academic progress and requires urgent attention from the administration.

12. Students’ Guild Constitution and Work Plan
Members also discussed the Students’ Guild Constitution and the need to develop a clear guild work plan to guide the activities of the student leadership.

13. Students’ Dress Code
The council raised concerns about the way some students dress on campus, noting that the dressing does not reflect the standards expected of university students. Members emphasized the need to promote responsible and appropriate dressing.

14. Turnout During University and Religious Events
The council discussed the low turnout of students during important university occasions such as the Opening Mass, the Day of Catholic Schools, End-of-Year celebrations, and other official events. Students were encouraged to actively participate in such activities to strengthen the university community.

The meeting ended with a resolution to convene a meeting with all class coordinators to further discuss the challenges raised by students. The Guild Council also agreed to meet with the university administration on 11 March 2026 to present the concerns discussed and work together to find solutions and a clear way forward for the benefit of all students.

𝐁𝐲 :𝐉𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐆𝐚𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐤𝐨 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐰
𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝
𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐮𝐝𝐚𝐧
𝐒𝐭. 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧 𝐘𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐨 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐮𝐬

Members of St. John’s Yambio Campus Pay Courtesy vist to Azande King

The Administration and Guild Council of the Catholic University of South Sudan, St. John’s Yambio Campus, on Friday paid a courtesy visit to the King of the Azande Kingdom, His Majesty Atoroba Peni Rikito Gbudue, to greet him, show respect, and strengthen cooperation between the university and the kingdom.

The delegation was led by Dr. Alela, the newly appointed Director of St. John’s Yambio Campus, accompanied by the Academic Registrar, guild leaders, and members of the Guild Council.

Speaking during the visit, Dr. Alela said the university leadership wants to closely involve the Azande Kingdom in academic and cultural activities, noting that culture and education should move together.

"We want to bring the King on board and work closely with the kingdom, especially in promoting Azande culture and traditions within the university,” Dr. Alela said.

Outgoing Guild President Joseph Ndani appealed to the King to advocate for the establishment of kingdom schools and the inclusion of the Zande language in education to promote reading, writing, and cultural identity.

Meanwhile, the Guild Minister of Information, Jackson Gaaniko, called on the King to mobilize youth across Western Equatoria State to enroll at St. John’s Yambio Campus, describing the university as affordable and internationally affiliated.

"We appeal to His Majesty to encourage young people to join the university, avoid idleness, and work hard for their future,” Gaaniko said.

Responding, King Atoroba Peni Rikito Gbudue welcomed the delegation and applauded the university leadership for the visit, describing education as a key pillar for community development.

The King said leaders and traditional authorities have a responsibility to mobilize communities to value education, citing Kenya as an example of progress through education.

"Education is the foundation of development. That is why the Director is from Kenya, a country known for strong education,” the King said.

He pledged to engage chiefs, parents, and community leaders to encourage both boys and girls who have completed secondary school to enroll at the university and avoid reluctance.

The King also reaffirmed his commitment to promoting the Zande language, saying efforts are underway to document the language and produce learning materials locally and internationally.

"Your visit is like ringing a bell. We will encourage parents to send their children to the university so we can produce qualified graduates for our community,” he added.

The delegation included Dr. Alela, the Academic Registrar Noel, outgoing Guild President Joseph Ndani, newly appointed guild leaders, and ministers of the Guild Council of St. John’s Yambio Campus.

Pictorial Highlight Catholic University of South Sudan St. John’s Yambio Campus

Theme: Determination, Hard Work, and Commitment

Students of St. John’s Yambio Campus continue to demonstrate exceptional dedication, hard work, and commitment in their academic journey and campus activities. Their passion for excellence reflects the true spirit of the Catholic University of South Sudan.

Elections Commission Trains Students at Catholic University Yambio Campus
Yambio, October 29, 2025

The National Elections Commission on Wednesday conducted a one-day civic education training for students of St. John’s Catholic University in Yambio aimed at preparing young people to participate peacefully in South Sudan’s upcoming elections.

The Director of the Catholic University of South Sudan, St. John’s Yambio Campus, Dr. Paul Alela Oguta urged students to embrace peace and play an active role in shaping the country’s democratic future. He also announced plans to establish a Civic Engagement Club to promote voter education and youth participation in peacebuilding.

One of the students, Gabriel Mungua, appreciated the Elections Commission for organizing the training, saying it helped students gain ideas, knowledge, and experience about election processes.

Dr. Alela reaffirmed the university’s commitment to supporting civic awareness and moral leadership, emphasizing that “democracy is not an event but a culture built through respect, dialogue, and informed participation.”

Gaaniko Jackson, Minister of Information, Catholic University Yambio Campus.

Pictorial: Bishop Hiiboro Joins Western Equatoria Students in Nairobi Ahead of Graduation

The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Tambura–Yambio, Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala joined students from Western Equatoria State (WES) in Nairobi, Kenya, for a special prayer service held ahead of their graduation ceremony scheduled for Friday.

The prayers brought together South Sudanese students and the bishop to give thanks to God for the successful completion of their academic journey and to seek blessings for their future endeavors.

Bishop Hiiboro, known for his continuous support to youth and education, encouraged the graduates to remain ambassadors of peace, integrity, and development wherever they go.

Congratulations to Paul Baptist and Simon Zoo for successfully completing their studies and earning their Bachelor’s Degrees.

May God continue to bless Bishop Hiiboro for his commitment and love towards the youth and education in Western Equatoria State.

UNDP Establishes Rule of Law Forum at St. John’s Catholic University Yambio

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the management of the Catholic University of South Sudan, St. John’s Campus in Yambio, has established a Rule of Law Forum at the university on Thursday.

This marks the first university-based Rule of Law Forum in Yambio, aimed at strengthening justice, accountability, and respect for human rights among students and the wider community.

The forum, composed of 25 students, will focus on outreach programs, public awareness campaigns, peacebuilding initiatives, and other activities related to the promotion of the rule of law. It will also serve as a platform for students to discuss justice issues and promote a culture of equality, fairness, and peaceful coexistence.

The rule of law ensures that all individuals and institutions are accountable to laws that are fairly applied and enforced, protecting the rights and freedoms of every citizen.

UNDP’s initiative reflects its ongoing commitment to empowering youth, strengthening good governance, and promoting lasting peace and justice in South Sudan.

By: Jackson Gaaniko
Minister of Information and Communication, Catholic University Yambio Campus

Pictorial: St. John CUoSS Students and Lecturers

Yesterday, students of St. John Catholic University of South Sudan (CUoSS) in Yambio took part in a friendly football match that ended 0-0 at full time.

St. John CUoSS emerged victorious after a tense penalty shootout, winning 5-4.

The university continues to make its mark as one of the leading institutions of higher learning in Western Equatoria State, particularly in Yambio County.

Congratulations to St. John University, Yambio!

Catholic University of South Sudan, Yambio Campus Holds Get-Together Party to Honour Final-Year Students

The Catholic University of South Sudan, Yambio Campus, on Saturday held a vibrant get-together party to honour Year Four students ahead of their final examinations. The event was led by the Deputy Director and Administrator, Mr. Stephen Ginyera, who encouraged students to remain focused, work hard, and pursue further studies after earning their diplomas and degrees.

“We are here to celebrate our Year Four students and recognize their academic achievements. I urge all of you to remain committed to your education and continue striving for academic excellence,” Mr. Ginyera said. He confirmed that graduation for the current class will take place in Nairobi in October 2025.

Also, speaking at the event, Dr. Mande Daniel (PhD) emphasized the importance of lifelong learning. “Education is a continuous journey. I encourage each one of you to enrol in further courses and keep growing,” he stated.

Mr. Ginyera noted that the Catholic University of South Sudan, Yambio Campus, is one of the university’s branches, with its main campus located in Juba. The institution is affiliated with the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) based in Nairobi, Kenya.

The get-together party symbolized unity, love, and the spirit of togetherness within the university community, leaving students and staff inspired and united.

By Jackson Gaaniko Mathew
Minister of Information and Communication
St. John Catholic University of South Sudan, Yambio Campus