The Government of Western Equatoria State, in partnership with UNMISS, sports bodies, and the local community, over the weekend launched the rehabilitation of the long-abandoned Gbudue Stadium in Yambio.
The ground-breaking and clearing exercise was led by the Acting Governor Justin Joseph Marona, who said the initiative marks a major step toward promoting sports, youth empowerment, peace, and unity in the state.
He urged development partners to support football and youth programs across all ten counties to strengthen community cohesion.
On her part, Jane Kony, the Head of UNMISS in Western Equatoria State, who joined the cleaning exercise alongside over 100 personnel from the Ethiopian peacekeepers’ battalion, said the mission is committed to supporting youth activities, peace, and security efforts in the state.
The deputy president of the Yambio Football Association, Roto Justin, welcomed the initiative, noting that the stadium has remained unused for years due to the lack of maintenance. He said repairs are needed on the wall fence, gates, and playground to enable the facility to host local and national sports events.
Meanwhile, State Minister of Youth, Culture, and Sports Charles Gamboripei lauded the leadership and partners for responding to the long-standing need to restore the facility, noting that the ministry had been calling for its rehabilitation for years.
Gbudue Stadium, built in 2010 during the tenure of former Western Equatoria Governor Jemma Nunu Kumba, has been in a dilapidated condition for several years. The renovation will be carried out in phases to transform it into a modern sports and community centre.