The inhabitants of Ikotos County in Eastern Equatoria State have presented a strong development agenda to their newly appointed caretaker commissioner, calling for urgent action to improve security, road infrastructure, healthcare services, and accountable governance.
Community members said the success of the new administration will be measured by practical improvements in the lives of ordinary citizens, including safer roads, better public services, protection of human rights, and inclusive development.
Speaking on behalf of citizens, Loyoo Godfrey Gasmiro outlined key priorities they want the new county leadership to address, including restoring peace, strengthening security along major roads, fighting corruption, and promoting transparent management of natural resources.
He urged the commissioner to work closely with traditional leaders, women, youth, and community representatives to address harmful cultural practices and ensure that justice is pursued through lawful institutions.
“Our leaders must ensure that justice is respected and that harmful practices affecting women and communities are eliminated through proper legal systems,” Loyoo said.
He also raised concerns over the exploitation of natural resources, including gold mining activities in areas such as Chilo and Quayas of Oba, calling for transparency, community consultation, environmental protection, and fair benefit sharing. According to him, resources from the county should contribute to development by supporting the construction of roads, schools, hospitals, and clean water systems rather than benefiting only a few individuals.
Residents identified insecurity along key routes as one of the biggest challenges affecting trade, movement, and access to services.
Victoria Kulang, a women’s leader, emphasized the need for security to be prioritized, adding that poor road conditions continue to affect the movement of people and the delivery of essential services in the county.
Community leaders appealed to the county administration and the Kidepo Administrative Area leadership to strengthen cooperation through joint security initiatives, dialogue, and regular consultations to guarantee safe movement along roads connecting Ikotos with neighboring areas.
For his part, Alphonse Muras Chacha, an SPLM Party legislator representing Ikotos County in the State Legislative Assembly, said peace, development, and proper administrative boundaries remain key expectations of the people.
He said the community welcomes the state government’s policy of demarcating county and Payam boundaries, adding that Ikotos is ready to work with relevant authorities to ensure proper demarcation of areas, including the Kidepo administrative area.
“The people of Ikotos are expecting peace and development,” Muras said. “Demarcation will help bring services closer to the people and strengthen administration.”
He added that the government’s vision is to bring towns and services closer to rural communities.
Meanwhile, Timon Lohure, the newly appointed SPLM-IO caretaker commissioner of Ikotos County, said his immediate priorities are peace and security, agriculture promotion, and community-based road rehabilitation.
“My priority is peace, security, and stability. We need to unite our people, promote reconciliation, and create dialogue so that peace can be achieved in Ikotos,” he said. “We want to work together with the community to rehabilitate roads so that services can reach our people and movement between Ikotos, Torit, and Uganda becomes easier.”
Addressing concerns over the creation of the Kidepo Administrative Area, Commissioner Lohure assured residents that the move is meant to improve service delivery and bring administration closer to the people, not divide the community. He called on all citizens of Ikotos, regardless of their location or background, to maintain unity and work together for peace and development.
The commissioner encouraged residents, including South Sudanese and people from neighboring countries living in the area, to contribute to peace and development.
As Ikotos County moves into a new leadership phase, citizens say they will judge the administration by tangible achievements rather than speeches.
Community members say they are ready to support initiatives that promote peace, justice, and development, while urging the new commissioner to make service delivery the foundation of his leadership.
and then