Office of The Governor-Eastern Equatoria State - Torit

Eastern Equatoria State Launches Kapoeta–Ngauro Road Rehabilitation to Boost Trade and Community Transformation
Torit, Eastern Equatoria State – May 7, 2026 — The Government of Eastern Equatoria State has officially launched the rehabilitation works of the Kapoeta–Ngauro Road, marking a major infrastructure initiative aimed at improving connectivity, trade, and access to essential services for local communities.

Speaking during the launch ceremony, the Hon. State Minister of Trade and Industry stated that the road rehabilitation project is intended to open pathways and create a lifeline of opportunities for community growth, transformation, and a better future for the people of the area.

The Minister noted that the road will serve as a vital investment corridor connecting livestock farmers to markets, enabling children to access schools, and allowing families to reach healthcare services throughout the year, particularly during difficult weather conditions.

“This is a road envisioned by our Governor as a catalyst for community transformation, economic growth, and social progress,” the Minister stated, while commending the Governor for his continued commitment and dedication to serving the people of Eastern Equatoria State.

She further expressed appreciation to the investor, state government authorities, particularly the Commissioners of Kapoeta South County and Budi County, community leaders, and all stakeholders whose support made the commencement of the project possible.

The Minister urged the investors and technical teams to ensure the delivery of quality rehabilitation works within the expected timeframe in order to withstand the heavy rains anticipated ahead and to guarantee long-term benefits for the communities and the environment.

Addressing the communities of Greater Kapoeta and Budi County, she emphasized that the project belongs to the people and called for cooperation, participation, and support, particularly in providing security to workers to ensure the successful completion and sustainability of the project.

“Let us work hand in hand to ensure that this road is completed successfully and serves generations to come,” she said.

The Minister concluded by congratulating the Governor and the Government of Eastern Equatoria State for initiating such a significant project at a time when resource mobilization remains a major challenge.

Siro Silvio Ewak

Governor Lobong Expands Freedom Square Infrastructure Drive to Strengthen Youth and Sports Development

Torit, Eastern Equatoria State – May 2, 2026 — Governor Louis Lobong Lojore of Eastern Equatoria State has officially launched the construction of a perimeter wall at Kapoeta Freedom Square, marking another major step in the State Government’s ongoing effort to strengthen youth empowerment and sports development across Eastern Equatoria.

The project is aimed at improving security, enhancing organization, and transforming Freedom Square into a safer and more structured venue for youth activities, sporting events, and community gatherings.

The construction of the perimeter wall reflects the State Government’s continued commitment to investing in youth-centered infrastructure that promotes recreation, nurtures talent, and encourages peaceful social engagement. Once completed, the wall will help protect the facility, regulate access, and preserve the grounds for organized sports and public events.

Speaking during the launch, Governor Lobong underscored the importance of investing in youth-focused infrastructure, describing it as a vital pillar for promoting peace, fostering unity, and driving social transformation across Eastern Equatoria State.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating safe and accessible spaces where young people can actively participate in sports and other constructive community activities.
Governor Lobong further noted that a similar perimeter wall project at Torit Freedom Square is already at its final stage of completion, underscoring his administration’s broader commitment to upgrading public recreational spaces across the state.

The Freedom Square perimeter wall project in Kapoeta is expected to significantly enhance youth programs and sports activities, while advancing the government’s wider vision of promoting peace, discipline, and opportunity for the younger generation.

Tennet Community Petitions Governor Lobong for Establishment of Arilo as Independent Administrative Unit

Torit, Eastern Equatoria State – April 28, 2026 – The leadership of the Tennet community from Imehejek Administrative Area in Eastern Equatoria State on Tuesday met Governor Louis Lobong Lojore and formally presented a follow-up petition seeking the establishment of Arilo as an independent administrative unit.

During the meeting, the Tennet community leaders raised concerns over what they described as longstanding marginalization in service delivery and power-sharing within the local administrative structures of Imehejek Administrative Area. In their petition presented to the Governor, the community alleged that key positions in the area’s administration are predominantly occupied by members of one ethnic group, leaving the Tennet community excluded from meaningful participation in local governance and decision-making processes.

The community further noted that Arilo remains geographically isolated from the Imehejek headquarters, making access to basic government services difficult for residents. They argued that the distance has not only hindered service delivery but has also exposed residents to insecurity while traveling in search of essential services.

“As a matter of fact, we are often deliberately excluded from decision-making processes,” part of the petition read.

The community leaders reiterated their appeal for urgent government intervention, calling on the Governor to expedite the establishment of Arilo as an independent administrative unit in order to improve local governance, service delivery, and security for the people of the area.

In a separate attached letter, the Tennet community also requested the upgrading of Arilo Primary Health Care Unit (PHCU) to a Primary Health Care Centre (PHCC) to expand access to healthcare services. The leadership acknowledged and appreciated Governor Lobong’s contribution toward the construction of the existing health facility in Arilo.

Governor Lobong welcomed the delegation and acknowledged receipt of the community’s petition, while appreciating their recognition of government support in the construction of the Arilo health facility.

Responding to the request, Governor Lobong said he had previously received similar concerns from the community regarding the proposed establishment of Arilo as an independent administrative unit. However, he noted that the petition lacked critical administrative requirements necessary for consideration, including population data, a clear administrative map, proof of viability, and the availability of human resources needed to support such an administrative status.

The Governor advised the Tennet community to engage in dialogue with other communities in Imehejek Administrative Area, particularly the Otuho and Lopit, to collectively address broader administrative concerns, including representation and structural imbalances within the local administration.

Governor Lobong further emphasized that the establishment of any new administrative unit is not a unilateral decision of the Governor, but a matter that must be formally presented before the State Council of Ministers for deliberation and approval. He urged the community to strengthen its proposal by addressing the required administrative criteria before resubmission.

Governor Lobong Leads by Example, Champions Agriculture to Fight Hunger

Torit, Eastern Equatoria State – Friday, April 24th, 2026 — Louis Lobong Lojore demonstrated practical leadership by personally visiting his farm and taking part in cultivation activities.

The Governor’s hands-on approach sends a strong and timely message on the importance of self-reliance and active community participation in agriculture.

By working the land himself, Governor Lobong underscored the urgent need for citizens to embrace farming as a sustainable solution to food insecurity. His actions highlight the critical role of agriculture in reducing dependency and steering communities away from hunger toward productivity and economic stability.

The visit serves as both an inspiration and a call to action for households across the state to actively engage in tilling their land, reinforcing the government’s broader push toward increased local food production, resilience, and long-term economic growth.

Faith Leaders Lead Peace Push: Governor Louis Lobong Lojore Briefed on Ifwotu and Iyire Peace Charter to Strengthen Civil-Military Relations”

Torit, Eastern Equatoria State – April 22nd, 2026 – The Islamic Council of Eastern Equatoria State and the Inter-Church Committee in Torit have jointly briefed the Governor, Louis Lobong Lojore, on the outcomes of community dialogue initiatives in Ifwotu and Iyire Payams, aimed at promoting peace and improving civil-military relations.

The dialogue in Ifwotu Payam, known as the Ifwotu Peace Charter, was facilitated by faith-based institutions to address concerns raised by the local population over misunderstandings between civilians and security forces, with the goal of fostering sustainable coexistence.

According to the report presented, the people of Ifwotu highlighted several challenges affecting their daily lives and called for peaceful coexistence, grievance resolution, trust-building, improved cooperation, strengthened stability, inclusive participation, and forgiveness among all stakeholders.

The dialogue produced a number of key resolutions, including:

Formation of community policing structures
Establishment of peace committees
Promotion of dialogue among the communities of Iyire, Ifwotu, Himodonge, and Imurok to enhance peaceful coexistence
Continued facilitation of dialogue by inter-religious bodies
Calls for voluntary return of individuals currently in the bushes and mountains to rejoin their communities
Strengthening cooperation between civilians and the military
Formation of development and peace committees to support long-term stability
A similar dialogue was also conducted in Iyire Payam, where the community echoed comparable concerns and recommendations. Residents emphasized the need for peaceful coexistence, trust-building, conflict prevention, strengthened stability, enhanced cooperation, improved civil-military relations, and respect for administrative structures and state leadership.

The initiative reflects the growing role of religious institutions in peacebuilding efforts across Eastern Equatoria State, as communities and authorities continue to work together to promote unity, reconciliation, and lasting stability.

“Kidepo Debate Heats Up as Governor Louis Lobong Lojore Sends Communities Back to the People for Final Say”

Torit, Eastern Equatoria State – April 22nd, 2026 – The Governor of Eastern Equatoria State, Louis Lobong Lojore, met with community leaders from Ikwoto County’s Payams of Isohe, Losite, and Ikwoto Central to address concerns surrounding the alleged inclusion of parts of these areas in the proposed Kidepo Valley Local Government Administrative Area.

During the meeting, representatives from Isohe and Losite Payams clearly expressed their position, stating that they are comfortable remaining under Ikwoto County and do not wish to be incorporated into the yet-to-be-established Kidepo Valley Administrative Area.

Governor Lobong explained that the issue emerged during his routine visit to Ikwoto County, where communities in the Kidepo Valley region raised concerns and demanded greater self-governance. Initially, he noted, the request was for administrative autonomy within Ikwoto. However, by late last year, the demand had evolved into a call for the formal establishment of the Kidepo Valley Local Government Administrative Area.

He further revealed that the proposal had received prior support at the county level, with the Ikwoto County Commissioner endorsing the map without reservation. A similar position was reiterated during a recent meeting in Chahari, where local communities again voiced support for the Administrative Area in the presence of the Commissioner, who confirmed his recommendation and lack of objection to the initiative.

In response to the differing views among communities, Governor Lobong directed local leaders to return to the grassroots and conduct broad consultations to gather the views of ordinary citizens. He emphasized that the State Government will rely on these community-driven consultations to make an informed and inclusive decision.

The meeting underscored the importance of dialogue, consensus-building, and community participation in shaping administrative boundaries and governance structures within Eastern Equatoria State.

New Land Deal, New Look: Governor Louis Lobong Lojore Unveils Bold Plan to Transform Torit Town”

Torit, Eastern Equatoria State – April 22nd, 2026 – The Governor of Eastern Equatoria State, Louis Lobong Lojore, held a consultative meeting with the Hatiha community, Abalwa community leaders, and the Torit Municipal Authority to discuss the modernization and orderly development of Torit town.

Key issues deliberated during the meeting included the ongoing demarcation of both occupied and undemarcated areas, particularly Odiko–Holong, which is currently undergoing surveying. The Governor also emphasized the urgent need to open roads within the municipality that have been unlawfully blocked by individuals.

The Chairman of the Abalwa community expressed appreciation for the improved coordination between the government and local communities, especially on land matters. He noted that the community is ready to cooperate fully by providing land and actively participating in the demarcation process. He further acknowledged that previous demarcation exercises, conducted without adequate consultation, had led to misunderstandings—something the current approach seeks to correct.

Governor Lobong informed the communities that the State Government, through a resolution passed in the Council of Ministers’ Sitting, has adopted a structured framework for land distribution in all demarcated areas within Torit town. Under this policy:

40% of demarcated land will be allocated to the host community
60% will be retained by the government
Additionally, revenue generated from annual ground rent will be shared as follows:

25% to the host community
75% to the government, to be reinvested into public services that will ultimately benefit the same communities.
The Governor clarified that beneficiaries from the host communities who receive the 40% land allocation will still be required to process legal ownership documents through the State Ministry of Housing, Lands and Public Utilities, including payment of the prescribed fees.

He further reiterated that 25% of the revenue generated from these plots will consistently be returned to the host communities on an annual basis.

Governor Lobong cautioned against illegal land demarcation and the collection of money from individuals without proper allocation of plots. He stressed that anyone with legitimate ownership documents whose land falls within re-demarcated areas must be fairly compensated.

In addition, the Governor advised that plots allocated in Odiko–Holong, particularly those near the Torit University of Science and Technology, should be developed into multi-storey commercial buildings. He noted that such developments will help accommodate the anticipated influx of students and visitors, especially through the construction of rental hostels.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment between the government and communities to promote transparency, cooperation, and sustainable urban development in Torit.

Governor Lobong Graces Age-Set Ceremony in Budi, Calls for Peace, Unity, and Development

Torit, Eastern Equatoria – April 18th, 2026 – The Governor of Eastern Equatoria State, Louis Lobong Lojore, attended a significant cultural age-set ceremony among the Buya (Lariim) community in Budi County, where traditional rites were performed, including the ceremonial slaughtering of bulls.

The ceremony, known among the Buya as Ngitamo, aligns culturally with the Akurukait age-set of the Toposa community. During the event, Governor Lobong also participated in the ritual by slaughtering a bull, signifying his belonging to the Akurukait age-set. In both traditions, age-set names such as Ngitamo and Ngikuruka are symbolically associated with birds, reflecting unity and a shared cultural identity, often expressed through song and celebration.

Addressing the gathering, Governor Lobong emphasized the importance of promoting peace within and beyond communities, encouraging agricultural production to enhance food security, strengthening reconciliation efforts, and advancing other key development priorities across the state.

The Governor further highlighted cultural ties by referring to the Ngoletiang age-set, noting that he should always be informed when their ceremonies are held so that he can participate. He explained that such participation would be in honor of his late father, who belonged to the Nye Ngoletiangait age group.

During the event, the Buya (Lariim) community made a formal appeal to the Governor, requesting the establishment of an Administrative Area to enhance local governance and improve service delivery.

The ceremony underscored the vital role of cultural heritage in fostering unity, peace, and dialogue among communities in Eastern Equatoria State.

🌿 “Inner Peace, Strong Communities”: Miss Eastern Equatoria Team Commends Governor Lobong on Stability Drive

Torit, Eastern Equatoria State - April 16th, 2026 — The Mr. & Miss Eastern Equatoria team has paid a courtesy call on Louis Lobong Lojore, briefing him on the progress of the Cultivating Inner Peace Project launched earlier this year in Juba.

During the meeting, the team applauded the Governor for sustaining peace and stability across Eastern Equatoria State, noting that they personally witnessed a calm and secure environment throughout their three-day stay.

They reported that the project is already being implemented in Torit County, where it focuses on promoting peaceful coexistence among students and the wider community. Key areas include addressing teenage pregnancies through the lens of inner peace, alongside sessions on emotional well-being and conflict resolution.

In Lafon County, the initiative emphasizes girl-child education as a pathway to inner peace and community harmony. The team has been actively sensitizing communities on the importance of educating girls and fostering supportive environments for their growth.

Looking ahead, the delegation revealed plans to roll out the project in Kapoeta South County by July, pending the mobilization of additional financial support.

Governor Lobong welcomed the initiative and commended the team for translating ideas into tangible community impact. He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to supporting the project wherever necessary, underscoring the importance of peace-building efforts across the state.

NEWS UPDATE | EASTERN EQUATORIA STATE

Ejonjo Project Set to Transform Biria as Governor Rallies Community Support

📍 Torit, Eastern Equatoria State – April 14th, 2026 – The Governor of Eastern Equatoria State has convened a high-level meeting with the community of Bira in Ikwoto County, calling on residents to fully embrace the Enjojo Project as a key driver of socio-economic development.

Addressing the gathering, the Governor underscored the importance of unity and active collaboration between the community and Enjojo to ensure the successful implementation and long-term sustainability of the initiative.

The meeting reached several key resolutions aimed at accelerating development in the area. The community was urged to work closely with Ejonjo in the ex*****on of development projects, particularly in critical sectors.

Enjojo is expected to support the construction of wider roads to enhance connectivity and facilitate trade. In addition, the project will contribute to strengthening healthcare services and improving education standards within the community.

The Governor further emphasized the importance of prioritizing employment opportunities for local residents, noting that community participation is essential for inclusive growth. Residents were also encouraged to develop and present viable project proposals to Enjojo for consideration and support.

In a move aimed at promoting organized urban development, the Governor called upon the people of Bira to allow proper town demarcation, describing it as a necessary step toward attracting investment and expanding infrastructure.
The Enjojo Project is increasingly being positioned as a cornerstone for infrastructure development, improved service delivery, and economic empowerment in Bira, anchored on strong community partnership and strategic planning.

Headline: Governor Lobong cautioned Ngaluma Over Cross-Border Cattle Raids, Orders Return of Stolen Herds

Torit- Eastern Equatoria State – April 12, 2026

H.E. Louis Lobong Lojore visited Ngaluma in Ikwoto County in response to escalating concerns over cross-border cattle raids involving neighboring Uganda.

Addressing residents, the Governor directly accused some members of the Ngaluma community of participating in cattle raids across the border, stressing that such actions threaten peace and bilateral relations.

He issued a firm directive calling on those involved to immediately cease cattle raiding activities, particularly those targeting communities in Uganda.

Governor Lobong further ordered that all stolen cattle be returned to the State Government, so they can be handed back to their rightful owners in Uganda, emphasizing accountability and restoration of trust.

On matters of justice, the Governor made it clear that individuals involved in the raids must be apprehended and brought before the law, warning that impunity will not be tolerated.

The visit follows recent engagements with a delegation from Uganda’s Lamwo District, who raised concerns over repeated cattle raids allegedly carried out by elements from Ikwoto County.

The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to maintaining peace, strengthening cross-border relations, and ensuring law and order within Eastern Equatoria State.