Juba County caretaker commissioner Kalisto Ladu Nyigilo has pledged to remain politically neutral and help prepare communities for December elections.
Ladu was sworn in on Friday after being appointed by Central Equatoria State Caretaker Governor Augustino Wani Jadallah, despite having previously expressed interest in contesting the governorship.
Under the presidential order establishing the caretaker administration, officials serving in caretaker positions are barred from contesting elective office in the upcoming elections and are required to act impartially. They are also prohibited from using public office, government resources or state institutions to promote or disadvantage political parties or candidates.
Speaking after taking his oath, Commissioner Ladu said the new administration would work with communities to prepare them for the elections.
“We are going down to the ground to organize and prepare our people for the very important constitutional task of elections,” he said.
He said caretaker officials would perform their duties without political bias and ensure citizens could exercise their right to choose their leaders.
His appointment comes as South Sudan prepares for elections scheduled for 22 December 2026, after years of delays under the transitional political process.
Ladu, a former Juba mayor, also said the county administration would focus on maintaining security, providing basic services and ensuring public resources benefit local communities.
Governor Jadallah, who presided over the swearing-in, urged the new officials to treat their appointments as a public responsibility and remain impartial towards political parties, candidates and citizens.
He also instructed them to work with security agencies, traditional leaders and communities to prevent violence and resolve disputes peacefully.
Other officials sworn in included caretaker commissioners for Yei River, Kajo-Keji, Terekeka, Lainya and Morobo counties, as well as Christopher Serafino Wani Swaka, the caretaker mayor of Juba City Council.
Jadallah directed the Juba City administration to prioritise sanitation, waste management, drainage, road safety, traffic management and market security.
He directed the caretaker officials to address pressing issues in their respective areas within 90 days.
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