Kajokeji Diocese is situated in the Eastern Equatorial region of Southern Sudan – sharing a border with Uganda to the south. The diocese covers an area approximately the size of N. Ireland and is home to more than 120 congregations.

Due to the catastrophic civil war that, in recent decades, ravaged Southern Sudan many of those living in the diocese were displaced to refugee camps – both within the diocese itself and in camps in Moyo and Adjumani, Northern Uganda.

However, as a result of the recent peace process, refugees are now beginning to return to their homes in Kajokeji.

The relationship with CMS Ireland started during the time of the former Bishop of the Diocese, Bishop Manasseh Dawidi. The new Bishop, Rt Rev Anthony Poggo, is keen to develop the strong links that are already in place.

CMS Ireland has supported the diocese in a number of specific areas:

Kajokeji Ecumenical Training Programme (KaETP):

KaETP is a community based, non-profit making organisation, which was initially established in September 1997 in Oliji/Ogujabe Refugee Transit Camp. It has now relocated and is coordinated in Kajokeji itself. Amongst other things the programme: offers training on community leadership, and HIV/AIDS awareness; and is active in the equipping of educators, counsellors and trainers.

Kajokeji Aids Awareness Initiative (KAAI):

It was discovered, through the HIV/AIDS awareness seminars conducted by KaETP, that a separate initiative was required to help combat the effects of HIV/AIDS on the communities within Kajokeji County.

KAAI looks to sensitise the local community about the presence and control of HIV/AIDS – and to provide care for those living with AIDS. CMS Ireland has provided on-going support to this project in recent years.

Kajokeji Ecumenical Christian Training Centre:

As KaETP and KAAI grew the need arose to provide suitable accommodation to facilitate the on-going training through the programmes offered. It was out of this need that the CMS Annual Project “Choose Life” was born. The project raised in excess of £40,000 and, as a result, the Kajokeji Ecumenical Christian Training Centre has been constructed.

Despite significant hardship the diocese experienced tremendous numeric growth during the period of war in Sudan. Although thousands of people from Kajokeji are still in refugees in Uganda many others are now beginning to return home and the Church is well positioned to share the love of Christ, in word and deed.