Authorities in Magwi County, South Sudan’s Eastern Equatoria State, have accused Nimule’s municipal council of manipulating revenue collection, hindering local development.
The allegations were made during a ceremony last week welcoming Nimule’s first mayor, attended by hundreds of residents, government officials and business leaders.
Pole-Pole Benjamin Olum, Magwi County commissioner, said irregularities in Nimule’s tax collection have prevented the county from receiving its mandated 40% share. He accused some municipal officials of assigning staff for personal gain, obstructing fair revenue distribution.
“Nimule is a busy town, but revenue manipulation and self-employment are major concerns,” Olum said. “These challenges have denied Magwi County its rightful share, affecting service delivery. I trust the new mayor to address this so both local governments can function properly.”
Patrick Lodinga, a national lawmaker representing Magwi, called for cooperation to ensure economic stability. He urged security forces to crack down on criminal gangs and hold them accountable.
“Nimule is a cosmopolitan town with many nationalities under your leadership,” Lodinga told the new mayor. “If you fear, don’t take the job. Enforce the law and work with security forces to maintain order.”
Charles Ambrose Lokonoi, the state governor’s advisor on gender and social welfare, gave municipal authorities 90 days to eliminate gang activity, citing rising crime and public fear.
“These gangs must be stopped within 90 days,” Lokonoi said. “They are destabilizing the community, and we cannot tolerate it.”