Bioremediation of oil spills in Melut County, Upper Nile State, South Sudan

Akura John Ukuk is a public health professional, youth leader, and advocate for community development and social justice. Born in Eastern Equatoria State, South Sudan, Akura’s journey of resilience began when he fled conflict and sought refuge in Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya, in 2005. Despite early hardships, he demonstrated exceptional academic and leadership potential, eventually earning a DAFI scholarship to pursue higher education.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health from Moi University, Kenya, and is currently completing a Master of Public Health (MPH) at Kyambogo University in Uganda. Throughout his career, Akura has worked with national ministries in South Sudan, focusing on occupational safety, environmental health, and public health service delivery. He currently serves as Head of Department for Sciences at the Light Institutes for Sciences and Advanced Management.

Akura is the Executive Director of Jopac Youth Empowerment and Development Organization (JYEDO), which operates across South Sudan with a focus on education, youth leadership, and environmental health. He has played a pivotal role in community peacebuilding initiatives, including mediating long-standing disputes and empowering refugee youth through sports and dialogue.

His contributions to public health and youth empowerment have been recognized through several awards, including the Albert Einstein Leadership Award from Windle Trust. He has participated in numerous regional and international workshops and conferences on peacebuilding, public policy, disaster risk reduction, and entrepreneurship.

Akura’s work is driven by a vision of a peaceful and prosperous South Sudan where youth and marginalized communities have access to education, leadership, and opportunity. His life is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of youth-led change.