The Governor of Eastern Equatoria State, Louis Lobong Lojore, has issued Executive Order No. 08/2026 establishing a special investigation committee to probe the killing of Kapoeta East County Commissioner Stephen Lowosio Lomongin.
In a statement dated June 11, 2026 and seen by Radio Tamazuj, the order said the committee will investigate the circumstances in which the commissioner was ambushed and killed in the disputed Kessengor area while on an official tour.
Kessengor is a territory claimed by both Eastern Equatoria State and the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA). The killing of the commissioner on Thursday has heightened tensions between the two administrations.
The four-member committee will be chaired by Eastern Equatoria State Minister of Information and Communication Elia John Ahaji and includes representatives from Military Intelligence (MI), the National Security Service (NSS) and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
It has been mandated to establish the facts of the incident, identify those responsible and their motives, examine possible security lapses, collect evidence and witness testimony, and recommend legal, administrative or disciplinary measures. It will also assess broader security implications and propose measures to prevent similar incidents.
Governor Lobong directed the committee to submit its report within 14 days. It will report directly to him and may engage government institutions, security agencies and community leaders during its work.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Friday, Deputy Chairperson of the Eastern Equatoria State Civil Society Network Kulang Vicky welcomed the move, saying it could help advance accountability.
“As civil society activists, we appreciate the government of Eastern Equatoria State for taking the initiative to form a special investigation committee. This can help bring the perpetrators to face the law,” Vicky said.
She called for dialogue and stronger efforts to address insecurity in the state, noting continued attacks on local leaders.
“We have seen the security situation escalating, and we are losing leaders who have been an inspiration in serving their communities. I urge the government to carry out thorough investigations so that those responsible can be identified and brought to justice,” she added.
The state government extended condolences to the family of the late commissioner, the Toposa community and residents of Kapoeta East County.
Lowosio was appointed commissioner of Kapoeta East County in May 2025 under the country’s power-sharing agreement on the ticket of the SPLM-IO faction led by National Minister of Peacebuilding Stephen Par Kuol.
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