(JUBA COUNTY) – Central Equatoria State has urged the National Government to open diplomatic channels with Uganda following the reported entry of Uganda People’s Defence Force troops into Kajo-Keji County.
The appeal was made during the Ordinary Council of Ministers meeting chaired by Central Equatoria State Governor Lt. Gen. Rabi Mujung Emmanuel on Thursday in Juba.
Acting State Information Minister Jacob Aligo Lo-Lado told reporters after the meeting that the presence of foreign troops within South Sudan’s borders is a direct challenge to the country’s sovereignty. He said the Council wants the National Government to open dialogue with Ugandan authorities to address the matter peacefully and without delay.
The cabinet also condemned last week’s attack on Mogiri cattle market. The Council urged both the Greater Pibor Administrative Area and Jonglei State to avoid any retaliatory action within Central Equatoria territory.
Aligo further raised concern over reported insecurity in Mangalla, allegedly caused by land grabbing and other disputes involving Internally Displaced Persons from Jonglei State. The State Government has appealed to the National Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to help facilitate the voluntary return of displaced communities when floodwaters subside.
The Council received a memorandum from the State Minister of Housing, Land and Public Utilities, David Morbe, detailing multiple incidents of land grabbing in different parts of Central Equatoria. Following discussions, the cabinet instructed the Ministry to develop a comprehensive land policy to improve land administration and management in the State.
It was further resolved that all land demarcations will be carried out solely by the State Ministry of Housing, Land and Public Utilities in order to strengthen oversight and reduce disputes.
Main Resolutions from Central Equatoria State Council Meeting
| Resolution | Description |
|---|---|
| Uganda troop presence in Kajo-Keji | Urge National Government to engage Uganda in peaceful talks |
| Mogiri cattle market attack | Condemn violence and call for restraint by involved states |
| Insecurity in Mangalla | Address land disputes linked to displaced persons from Jonglei |
| Land grabbing cases | Ministry to prepare land policy for better administration |
| Land demarcation | Exclusively handled by State Ministry of Housing, Land and Public Utilities |
