Update from Thomas Lubari March 2026

We wish to thank Bright Hope World for the support rendered to facilitate the training and material support of refugees in the area of Foundations for Farming. The training is a response to the challenges refugees are facing in the camps since the reduction of food radio from 12kgs of grain to 3kgs of grain per person per month - about 100grams per day. Most refugees have had their names deleted from the food ration and now cannot access any food causing major suffering and frustration. This has caused some to voluntarily return home but they have ended up being misunderstood as rebels resulting in undeserved murder by suspecting parties, especially in the greater Yei region where there are several armed groups operating.

The Sudanese have never enjoyed any long sustainable peace since 1955 with civil wars breaking in 1983, later 2003 and 2016 respectively with many armed groups operating in the country to date. This has caused millions of South Sudanese to live in refuge despite the undeserved conditions they face in the refugee camps.

Recent Events

Foundations for Farming (Sustainable Livelihood) Humanitarian Interventions (UGA08)

The humanitarian interventions by Life Gospel Ministries in the camps are geared towards sustainable livelihood, designed to improve the livelihoods of the vulnerable in the areas of agricultural, educational, and psychosocial. These would have not been possible without the support of Bright Hope World.

Agricultural intervention is intended to improve lives through the impartation of farming skills that was more conservation towards improving farmer crop yields, hunger and poverty reduction through Foundations for Farming. This covered several refugee settlements that include Palorinya (Obongi district), Bidibidi (Yumbe district), Yoyo1 (Yumbe district), Yoyo3 (Yumbe district), Rhino camp (Arua district), Imvepi (Terego district), Pamodo (Koboko district). The trainings have had the number of participants double in some districts due to the need and desire for transformation.

The Taban Scholarship Fund (Vocational Training) (UGA04c)

The vocational training is a humanitarian response to the challenges and sufferings faced by orphans, vulnerable youths of national and refugee origin in order to equip them with skills that will enable them to get jobs or create their own jobs.

The current number of students benefitting from the scholarship fund stands at 15 students registered in several disciplines that include the medical field, business, building, electrical system and maintenance substantiated by the attached photos in the next page. 

Trauma Counselling (UGA04f)

The trauma healing training is to empower church leaders, community leaders, women leaders, youth leaders and communities working among the orphan centres and homes with skills to conduct counselling among such groups. Trauma has greatly affected many communities and individuals resulting in antisocial behaviours, lack of concentration, and unemployment. Therefore, trauma training among the different levels of refugee communities is to give hope and enable victims to develop self-worth or good self-image.

Koboko Loan Programme (UGA04e)

Mary Ropani (food seller/restaurant) and Peter Amaja (farmer) have positively utilized the funds they borrowed in promoting their businesses. The loan was a boost to their business. They are models for other members to emulate.

Current Issues and Challenges

Visits are limited affecting the performance of farmers, students and victims of trauma. Farmers are scattered and visits by extension workers is often hard due to a lack of transport. Students require regular visits which is often hindered due to transport. Trauma victims find it hard to improve due to a lack of integrated counselling that requires a practical response to their situation.

Comments

Farm visits should involve the facilitation of extension workers by providing transport such as two motorbikes to cover the long distances between farmers. Extra funds are also required for student visits and emergencies such as sickness or accidents.