The budget aims to enhance evangelism, peace building, and human development across the Catholic Diocese

By Emmanuel Mandella

The Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio has endorsed a $1.18 million budget for the year 2025, positioning itself as a beacon of hope and sustainability amid a challenging economy and shrinking international aid.

The budget, valued at USD 1,187,632, aims to enhance evangelism, peace building, and human development across the Diocese. The move comes at a time the world economy us reeling from donor funding cuts.

Unveiling the budget, His Lordship Bishop Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala hailed the financial plan as “a shared vision rooted in stewardship and service,” noting that the church must continue to serve as a pillar of hope in these trying times.

“Despite economic misinformation, threats of violence, the impacts of war, and widespread fear, we trust in the goodness of our creator. This budget is a tool for evangelization, peace building, and the promotion of human dignity,” said Bishop Hiiboro during the announcement ceremony.

For his part, the Chancellor of the Diocese, Fr. Dominic Sasa, applauded the collaborative nature of the budget’s formulation, emphasizing that it reflects a community determined to build resilience from within.

“This budget reflects a mindset that prioritizes inclusion, responsibility, and self-reliance. It sets us on a path to strengthen our identity, institutions, and policies,” said Fr. Sasa.

Acknowledging the challenging economic times, Mr. Isaac Gibson Hosea, the Acting Finance Manager, called the 2025 budget a milestone in local sustainability.

“Our most important resource now is sacrifice — sacrifice from within our community. We are proud to have designed a self-sustainable budget tailored to serve God’s people without overdependence on foreign aid,” he stated.

Meanwhile, adding to the optimism, the Diocesan Finance Administrator, Fr. Tameregu Moses, emphasized that the budget will serve as both a spiritual and operational lifeline in a time of crisis.

“This budget is a blessing in a time of need. It enables us to continue supporting parish activities, youth empowerment programs, education, and health services. It’s a message to our people that even in hardship, we can still stand tall and serve faithfully,” Fr. Moses commented.

The Diocesan leadership affirmed that the budget would be guided by principles of transparency and accountability, with regular reporting expected to both internal stakeholders and international partners.

As South Sudan continues to grapple with economic hardship, the Diocese’s budget stands as a courageous step forward—a faith-fueled financial strategy built on unity, sacrifice, and a vision to uplift communities through hope and action.

“Our most important resource now is sacrifice — sacrifice from within our community. We are proud to have designed a self-sustainable budget tailored to serve God’s people without overdependence on foreign aid,” said Isaac Gibson Hosea, the Acting Finance Manager.