Tombura-Yambio Diocese denounce Bishop’s links to weapon transportation
The Catholic diocese of Tombura-Yambio has denounced a wave of misleading social media propaganda linking its Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala to involvement in transportation of weapons.
The Diocese’s statement strongly rejects these unfounded claims, insisting such content misrepresents the Church’s dedication to reconciliation, education, and regional development.
“We categorically reject these baseless accusations and misinformation,” the announcement declared, reaffirming the Diocese’s commitment to serving with integrity and transparency.
Amid lingering social and political discord in South Sudan, the Diocese underscores its role as a unifying force. Despite the strain of internal upheaval, it continues to advocate collaborative efforts toward healing and growth grounded in spiritual values, independent from governmental influence.
Highlighting its resolve, the Diocese called upon authorities in the Office of National Security, based in Yambio, to uphold justice, accountability, and respect for human rights. In its words, “The Lord has called us to be peacemakers, and we cannot be silent in the face of falsehoods.”
While this is not the first time the Diocese has formally addressed such digital misinformation, it is not new to confronting challenges. In July 2024, the Diocese denied allegations that a vehicle delivering food to an IDP camp inTombura was also carrying weapons a rumor quickly debunked by the Diocesan Chancellor Fr. Dominic Agbia Sasa as completely false.
More grave still was the December 2024 attack on the St. Mary Help of Christians Parish in Tombura, where armed assailants opened fire into an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp situated within the parish compound, resulting in one death and at least one serious injury.
Further, Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala condemned the act as “deeply heartbreaking” and “reprehensible,” calling on perpetrators to repent and urging government protection for vulnerable communities.
The Diocese oversees roughly 22 parishes and is served by 41 priests, ministering to over 1.3 million Catholics, comprising around 63% of a roughly 2.1 million population in the region.
Beyond rumor control, the Diocese has raised alarms about a humanitarian crisis triggered by inter-communal violence, displacements to UNMISS facilities, and shortages of food, water, and sanitation among IDPs in greater Tombura Counties.
Bishop Edward Hiiboro Kussala, who succeeded Bishop Joseph Abangite Gasi in 2008, leads the Diocese through both spiritual and practical crises.
The proactive condemnation of social media propaganda signals the Diocese’s recognition of the risks posed by misinformation and its dedication to truth and trust in ministry.
From debunking false weaponization claims to grieving tragedy with dignity, the Diocese continues to stand firm in service despite adversity, and running through all challenges is an unbroken thread of faith as Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala calls repeatedly for peace, reconciliation, and ethical leadership.
