The Jiye of South Sudan

Population: <12,000
 
Location and Background: The Jiye people live in the arid flat lowlands of the South East corner of South Sudan in Eastern Equatoria State. They are agri-pastoralists- they grow sorghum and raise cattle, sheep, and goats. The are very closely related to the Toposa of South Sudan and speak the same language. They are also related to the Karamojong of Uganda, Nyang’atom of Ethiopia, and the Turkana of Kenya. Their homeland is bordered by the Toposa to the South and East, the Ngipeta to the North, and the Nginyoro to the West. They have conflict with all these neighbors. 
 
History: The Jiye people originally came from Kotido Najie in the Karamoja region of Uganda. They left the area in search of water and pasture. They passed through several areas, but moved on after being attacked by the Toposa. They settled in Naliimtiira for a while and grew, but were eventually driven off by neighboring tribes (the Nginyoro and Ngipeta). Their leader, Natuliasia, advised them to divide into four groups to avoid being attacked as a large group. These four groups eventually became the clans of today: The Ngikurono, who worship wood ash and live in Lorumute; the Ngisirae, who worship the cheetah and live in Kesegor Hill; the Ngimokodol, who worship the millipede and live in Lopeat; and the Ngitarakaboon, who worship the hyena and also live in Lopeat.
 
Culture: The Jiye are fierce warriors. They compete with the Toposa for water and pasture. They engage in cattle rustling. They pierce and scar their bodies as marks of beauty. The women wear beaded head bands in colors which represent the clan of their husband.
 
Religion: The Jiye are ATR (animists)- they believe in a supreme being named Apayok, who resides in a crater in Mt Kesegor. They believe if you commit an offense against him, Apayok will not give you water when you visit him there. They believe Apayok sent a sorcerer named Natidiita to protect and guide them. They also believe in the spirits of their ancestors, with whom they communicate through a medium.

Latest Prayer Updates:

Needing mercy

Jan 1, 2026 |

Pray for spiritual growth of the people. For believers to mature and seekers to bow their knees to King Jesus.

Pray for God’s provision in the land.
Pray for the basic needs for the people- shelter, medication, education, etc. There is so much suffering- pray for God’s mercy and provision.

Strengthening the church

Dec 27, 2025 |

This Christmas season, Eliah returned to spend Christmas with the Jiye, strengthening the believers, praying with them, and encouraging the church. Simon, who leads the Bible translation work, recently completed a community check as they translate portions of the Old Testament into the Jiye language. In addition, three Toposa disciples from Naliel traveled to encourage and strengthen the Jiye church, showing the beauty of cross-community discipleship.

We thank God for the progress among the Jiye—both in spiritual growth and tangible development. Pray for greater harvest, deeper discipleship, and the flourishing of Christ’s church in this precious people group.

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Africa Inland Mission

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