Eastern Equatoria State Governor Gen. Louis Lobong Lojore has carried out a major reshuffle in the state government, issuing a series of gubernatorial decrees that suspended senior officials, appointed new leaders to key institutions, and named caretaker commissioners and chief administrators across the state.
The sweeping changes, announced through several gubernatorial decrees on 30 June 2026, affect independent commissions, county administrations, and administrative areas.
Among the notable appointments are Christine Kato Adelino, who was named the acting chairperson of the State Relief and Rehabilitation Commission, replacing Augustine Okuma Albert, who was suspended indefinitely.
The Governor also appointed Matthew Ugwak Kidi as the caretaker deputy chairperson of the State Investment Corporation, Jackson Lokuru Achulkol as caretaker deputy chairperson of the State Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation Commission, and Ebul Simon Ohuro as Chairperson of the State Insurance and Regulatory Authority.
The governor also appointed new county leaders to strengthen governance and service delivery. The appointments include Lohure Timon Robert as caretaker commissioner of Ikwoto County and Angelo Marko Loteam as caretaker commissioner of Kapoeta East County.
Lohuyoro Peter Onyang was named Chief Administrator of Kidepo Valley Administrative Area; John Lotede Remijpo, Chief Administrator, Kimotong Administrative Area; Natabo Abraham Nyitak, Chief Administrator, Kassengor Administrative Area; and Lopoyok Augustine Jervase was appointed Chief Administrator of Ngauro Administrative Area.
The gubernatorial decrees also announced the indefinite suspension of several senior officials, including Augustine Okuma Albert, Chairperson of the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission; Matthew Ugwak Kidi, Deputy Chairperson of the Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation Commission; and Loboi Timon Lolori, Commissioner of Ikwoto County.
The others suspended are Koma Godfrey Iligo, Chairperson of the State Insurance and Regulatory Authority, and Joseph Hiteng Loyaris, Deputy Chairperson of the State Investment Corporation.
Governor Lobong thanked some of the outgoing officials for the services they rendered to the people of Eastern Equatoria State.
Reacting to the gubernatorial decrees, Tito Abas, the Executive Director of Ikotos County, described the leadership changes as a normal constitutional responsibility of government.
“The government is a government,” he said. “The government may see the need for a different person to continue service delivery. It doesn’t necessarily mean someone has done something wrong.”
He noted that although former Commissioner Loboi Timon Lolori had been suspended indefinitely and replaced by caretaker commissioner Lohure Timon Robert, such decisions should not automatically be interpreted as punishment.
He urged the new commissioner to prioritize peace and cooperation among communities.
“The first assignment should be to establish peace, because without peace, there can be no development,” Abas stated. “He should work closely with the organized forces, the government and the local communities to fight criminality and improve service delivery.”
In Kapoeta East County, youth leaders welcomed the appointment of Angelo Marko Loteam as caretaker commissioner following the killing of former Commissioner Stephen Lowosio Lomongin.
Moses Lokolong, Youth Secretary for Peace in Kapoeta East County, urged the new commissioner to build on the legacy of his predecessor.
“As the new commissioner takes office, I want him to unite the neighboring communities of Ethiopia, Uganda, and Kenya, just as previous commissioners have done,” he told this publication. “He should strengthen security because if security is not maintained, peace can easily collapse.”
“I also want him to coordinate with the state government, report the service delivery gaps in Kapoeta East, and collaborate with partners so they can support development projects for our communities,” Lokolong added.
The latest gubernatorial reshuffle comes at a time when Eastern Equatoria State continues to face security challenges, including cross-border insecurity, communal conflicts, and increasing demands for improved public services.
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