South Sudan students in Yumbe celebrate Independence Day

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YUMBE – South Sudanese students studying in Yumbe district have called on their government to engage in meaningful peace talks and end the political divisions that continue to hinder the country’s progress.

The students made the appeal on Wednesday at Midigo Secondary School, while commemorating the 14th anniversary of their country’s independence, which was attained on July 9, 2011, from Sudan.

This marked the first time the students held such a celebration since seeking refuge in Uganda due to the conflict that engulfed South Sudan in the years following its independence.

South Sudan students plant a tree to commemorate the country's 14th Independence Day at Midigo SS. (Photo by Adam Gule)

The young nation, once full of promise, was soon marred by political unrest that claimed lives and forced thousands to flee their homes.

Moses Silo Jackson Hakim, chairperson of the South Sudan Students Association at Midigo SS, said the decision to celebrate this year’s independence was inspired by a renewed sense of patriotism instilled in them through school-based civic activities.

“We had lost hope in our country, and that’s why we never celebrated Independence Day while here in Uganda,” Hakim said.

“However, through the patriotism training and events we have had at school, we realised we can’t turn our backs on our country forever,” he added.

Hakim noted that the celebration helped unify students from different South Sudanese tribes, fostering peace and togetherness among them.

Moses Silo Jackson Hakim, the chairperson of the South Sudan Students Association at Midigo SS. (Photo by Adam Gule)

He highlighted that what worries them most now is the continued insurgency characterised by unlawful killings, still forcing many people to flee the country.

Hakim called on the top government leaders in their country to sit down and make strong resolutions which should be put into implementation immediately.

"As we wait for the day when we shall return to our country, many people are joining us daily because of the killings in South Sudan. We are really tired and we ask for sustainable peace back home," he said.

Evelyn Ajo, a Senior Five student in Midigo SS, shared memories of Independence Day celebrations back in South Sudan during her primary school days.

“On such days, children would be bought new uniforms, and those who didn’t get new ones would iron their old ones just to look smart for the parades,” she recalled.

She added that families would spend generously on food, drinks, and even accessories like shoes and sunglasses to make the day special.

“We would save for almost a week in preparation, buying new clothes and planning outings after the parade,” Ajo said.

She appealed to the government of South Sudan to consider the plight of the South Sudanese in the refugee settlements and prioritise a peace deal to see them return home.

Evelyn Ajo, a Senior Five student in Midigo SS shared memories of Independence Day celebrations back in South Sudan during her primary school days. (Photo by Adam Gule)

“We want to go back to a peaceful South Sudan, where we can celebrate without fear or separation,” she said.

Justin Joe Bujang, another South Sudan student, said, Life in the settlements has become very difficult.

He said, every refugee wants to return home, but the insecurity in the country was a major obstacle.

He noted that some of their relatives tried to self-repatriate, but the majority ended up being killed, especially those in the war-prone areas.

"In the settlement, people are starving, yet back in South Sudan, killings are continuing. We need sustainable peace," he said.

Kawawa Drobeke, the Patron of the South Sudanese students in Midigo SS, said, the school has over 300 South Sudanese students out of the 812 students in the school.

He said it was necessary to instil in the students a sense of belonging and patriotism so that they will be the game changers in their home country in the future.

"Each learner is mandated to know his/her origin and develop love for where they come from", he said.

Ismail Ikule, the Headteacher of the school, hailed the students for the initiative.

He urged them to continue with the spirit and encourage their fellow students in other schools across the settlements to join them so that together they can advocate for a peaceful country.

Ikule also appealed to the students to continue with the unity and togetherness they have begun as a family of South Sudan students.