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:

New Oral Translation Programme

Jun 10, 2026 |

Jiye of South Sudan: Praise the Lord that there is active evangelism taking place in the region, especially through visiting teams. God is opening up new areas for ministry among cattle camps, and old churches are currently being restored. Additionally, an Oral Bible Translation programme will be launching soon for the area.  Pray for the challenges of long distances and poor communication networks that make consistent follow-up difficult. Local communities face severe hunger and thirst, leader training remains inadequate, and a conservative mindset is slowing down the progress of new work. Please pray that kindness and love will prevail among the people. Pray also that the necessary resources for transport, food, and training will be provided to open this entire area for the Gospel.

New Outreach

Mar 13, 2026 |

Jiye People (Eastern Equatoria)

  • Pray for the Jiye people  who have very little access to the gospel

  • Ask God to bless the new outreach and training beginning among churches serving Jiye communities.

  • Pray that the message of Jesus will be shared clearly in languages the Jiye understand.

  • Ask the Holy Spirit to open the hearts of those who have never heard about Jesus, leading many to faith in Him.

More Updates
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People Groups

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Downloadable Resources

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30 Day Prayer Journey

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Africa Inland Mission

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