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.

In the last year Kajo-Keji Diocese has benefited from significant financial support from UNDP Sudan Recovery Fund (SRF). This has helped fund the set-up of a Micro Enterprise Scheme and the provision of long term and Short Term Vocational Training in Yei Vocational Training College.

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.