Exiled South Sudanese Students Mark Independence Day in Uganda

(BOMBO) – South Sudanese students living in Uganda’s Luweero District gathered this week to mark 14 years since their homeland gained independence. The celebration, held at Janan Secondary School in Bombo, was filled with songs, prayers, speeches and emotional pledges of unity and patriotism.

Although living in exile, the students spoke with pride about South Sudan’s hard won independence, gained on 9 July 2011 following decades of civil war.

The conflict has claimed more than 380,000 lives and displaced millions more. The celebration also served as a reminder of the ongoing challenges back home, with many attendees expressing their desire to one day return and help rebuild their country.

Maketh Maker Maketh, president of the Janan South Sudanese Students Association (JASSA), used the opportunity to call on his fellow students to rise above ethnic divisions and work towards unity.

“As we celebrate our 14th Independence Day, we must remember that tribalism should not create hatred among ourselves. We are one people,” he said.

Maketh encouraged the youth to use their time in Uganda to gain the education and skills needed to contribute meaningfully to South Sudan’s future.

“We have to work hard, get the education and skills we need, and go back to our country to create visible change.”

He also stressed the importance of discipline and peaceful coexistence with Ugandan host communities.

The event was also attended by Pastor Gedeon Kongi of Well of Life Church in Namungoona, a South Sudanese national who has lived in Uganda for over 15 years. He praised Uganda for offering South Sudanese refugees a secure environment.

“They have made us understand that running away from home because of war doesn’t make us inferior. We are superiors in our own way,” he said.

Emmanuel Emorut, chaplain at Janan Schools, said such events are vital in helping South Sudanese youth reconnect with their roots and develop a sense of national responsibility.

“The purpose of these celebrations is to make these young ones reflect on their backgrounds and build a patriotic heart to build their country,” he said.

The ceremony ended with students pledging to work for peace and progress in South Sudan. Many shared personal reflections on the pain of displacement but also their determination to return and make a difference.

One student said, “We may be far, but our hearts are still with South Sudan.”

Although the day was filled with hope, the history of conflict remained present in the students’ reflections. After the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement paved the way for independence, new violence erupted in December 2013.

Political rivalries and ethnic tensions triggered a civil war that claimed an estimated 400,000 lives and displaced millions, including many of the students now living in Uganda.

Uganda today hosts one of the world’s largest populations of South Sudanese refugees.

South Sudan Conflict Timeline

Year	Key Event	Impact
2005	Comprehensive Peace Agreement signed	Ended war with Sudan; set stage for independence
2011	South Sudan gains independence (9 July)	New nation born after decades of struggle
2013	Civil war begins due to political and ethnic conflict	Over 400,000 killed, millions displaced
2018	Revitalised Peace Agreement signed	Aimed to end conflict but implementation remains slow
2025	14th anniversary of independence marked in exile	Youth in Uganda call for peace, unity, and return home