Okolie in South Sudan

The Okolie have only been reported in South Sudan
Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

The Okolie people are a part of the larger Lango ethnic group in South Sudan, primarily inhabiting the Equatoria region. They belong to the Nilotic community and share cultural and historical connections with other groups from the Nile basin. Traditionally, the Okolie lived in clan-based communities, where elders guided decisions regarding land, family matters, and spiritual practices. Their language belongs to the Luo language group, and many also communicate in Juba Arabic.


What Are Their Lives Like?

The Okolie people primarily reside in rural villages, relying on farming, fishing, and small-scale animal husbandry for their livelihoods. Their diet mainly consists of sorghum, millet, and maize, while fish from local rivers and streams serve as an additional food source. Family life is centered around extended kinship networks, and there is a strong sense of community, with residents cooperating in daily labor. However, access to modern infrastructure, such as schools, healthcare, and roads, remains limited, particularly in remote areas that are affected by conflict and poverty.


What Are Their Beliefs?

Traditionally, the Okolie people held animistic beliefs focused on ancestral spirits and a supreme creator god. They conducted rituals, sacrifices, and ceremonies to seek protection, fertility, and blessings. Today, many identify as Christians, either Catholic or Protestant, but traditional beliefs often blend with their church affiliations. This blending of beliefs means that while some individuals have heard the gospel, many have not fully embraced discipleship or accepted faith in Christ as their sole hope for salvation.


What Are Their Needs?

The Okolie community faces several physical challenges, including limited access to healthcare, food insecurity, and inadequate educational resources. Many families are affected by regional instability and displacement. Spiritually, there is a strong need for clear biblical teaching, discipleship in the local language, and training for leaders who can guide their communities in faith. The gospel message of peace and hope can address their deepest needs in the midst of these hardships.


Prayer Items

Pray for the spread of God’s word in the local language and for strong discipleship among new believers that will lead to more Christ-centered discipleship.Pray for improved access to healthcare, clean water, and education in their villages.Pray for faithful leaders to rise up and guide their communities in the truth of Jesus Christ.


Scripture Prayers for the Okolie in South Sudan.


References

AI generated by Copilot101 Last Tribes. Lango People. Available at: https://www.101lasttribes.com/tribes/lango.htmlName Discoveries. Okolie surname. Available at: https://namediscoveries.com/surnames/okolie


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Okolie
People Name in Country Okolie
Alternate Names
Population this Country 17,000
Population all Countries 17,000
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale Progress Gauge
Unreached No
Frontier People Group No
Pioneer Workers Needed
PeopleID3 22331
ROP3 Code 119332
Country South Sudan
Region Africa, East and Southern
Continent Africa
10/40 Window No
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Eastern Equatoria state: Ikotos county, Losite division.   Source:  Ethnologue 2022
Country South Sudan
Region Africa, East and Southern
Continent Africa
10/40 Window No
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Eastern Equatoria state: Ikotos county, Losite division..   Source:  Ethnologue 2022

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Primary Religion: Christianity
Major Religion Estimated Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity
75.00 %
Ethnic Religions
25.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Okolie (17,000 speakers)
Language Code oie   Ethnologue Listing
Written / Published Unknown
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Okolie (17,000 speakers)
Language Code oie   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Okolie

Primary Language:  Okolie

Bible Translation Status:  Translation Started

Resource Type Resource Name Source
None reported  
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.