My country South Sudan is one of the poorest countries in the UN. When we attained our independence from Sudan on July 9th, 2011, we thought we would have the full responsibility of determining our own future. To our dismay, our politicians took us back to a senseless civil war. Thousands were lost, millions were forced to seek refuge in neighboring countries, and thousands more were sheltered in the UN’s civilians’ protection sites as IDPs. Relying solely on oil revenue and foreign assistance, South Sudan‘s
economy collapsed and left millions in abject poverty and famine. Even though peace was signed in 2018, the country still experiences high inflation.
Additionally, South Sudan is faced with a very unclean environment due to companies extracting oil. Different toxic chemicals are released into the water, which later disrupt the ecosystems and put both humans’ and animals’ lives at a greater risk. The effects on pregnant women are severe, with an increase in premature births, often resulting in deformed infants. Chemical industries, including the beverage industry, are also large sources of pollution as they produce lots of plastics that are not properly disposed of. The plastic can eventually find its way into rivers, killing aquatic animals and making water unsafe for use. Plus, fumes released from these industries and the inappropriate burning of plastics contribute to global warming.
As an industrial chemistry major at Makerere University, I aim to help my country fight all these vices. After completing my degree, I hope to work with the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS) and any environmental authority to monitor the environment and make sure it’s safe. My colleagues and I are also planning to start an institution called SOUTH SUDAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY. This society will focus on research to boost the economy, controlling chemicals from reaching the environment, and training young professionals in the chemical industry field.
I envisage a South Sudan where people live not just in harmony with themselves but also with their environment. Presently, my country is rated among the top 10 most unhappy countries. My dream is to create a conducive environment to innovate and contribute to the entire country’s economy so that everyone can live happily.