TORIT IN FOCUS

📢
EES Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Akileo Mboya has dissolved the State Youth Union.
A 9-member interim committee has been appointed to organize a state youth conference and elections within 90 days.
Geoffrey Hakim Lorikot named Chairperson.
Minister: “Youth lack support. We appeal to partners to help.”

BY STAFF REPORTER
TORIT, July 15, 2026—

The Eastern Equatoria State Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Akileo Mboya Peter Anyanga, has dissolved the State Youth Union and appointed a nine-member interim committee to organize a state youth conference and oversee new elections within 90 days.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Minister Mboya said the decision followed the expiry of the previous youth leadership’s mandate, which lapsed two years ago after the last state youth conference was held in 2020.

"The previous administration lapsed two years ago. This left the state, especially the youth wing, not functional," he said.

Minister Mboya explained that the committee will not conduct immediate elections. Its role is to prepare for the youth conference, mobilize resources, develop a conference concept, coordinate with the Ministry, and represent the youth union during the transition period.

"They cannot just come one time and call for a youth conference immediately. The purpose of this committee is to plan for the youth conference, organize, mobilize resources, and coordinate with the ministry," Mboya said.

He attributed delays in holding elections to logistical constraints and inadequate support, noting that youth initiatives largely depend on voluntary efforts.

"These are voluntary activities. Youth are lacking support, not just from the government but also from other stakeholders," he said, appealing to government institutions, development partners, and other stakeholders to support the upcoming conference.

According to the Minister, the interim committee was formed after consultations with youth representatives from counties across the state and meets the 35 percent gender representation requirement.

The committee appointed on July 15, 2026 comprises:

1. Geoffrey Hakim Lorikot– Kapoeta East County – Chairperson
2. Tabu Charles Teodoro– Magwi County – Deputy Chairperson
3. James Oromo Alosio– Imehejek County – Secretary General
4. Francis Nato Lopukei– Kapoeta North County – Secretary for Finance
5. Keji Christine Franco– Torit County – Secretary for Information
6. Eunice Yaba Udwor – Lafon County – Advisor
7. Michael Lokaye– Ikotos County – Member
8. Pascal Lokorai– Budi County – Member
9. Richard Martin Lotubai – Kapoeta South County – Member

The interim committee is expected to complete preparations for the state youth conference within 90 days, paving the way for the election of new Eastern Equatoria State Youth Union leadership.

📚
Tirangore Primary School was forced to close Wednesday after armed youth allegedly opened fire near the premises. No pupils were injured.
Caretaker Commissioner Eddy William Ponsiano visited the community and urged against retaliation, calling for dialogue across Greater Hiyala Payam.
Two suspected attackers were killed during pursuit.

BY STAFF REPORTER
TORIT, July 2026—

Torit County Caretaker Commissioner Eddy William Ponsiano has appealed for calm and unity in Tirangore following an armed attack on Tirangore Primary School that forced pupils and teachers to flee and disrupted learning.

Commissioner Ponsiano visited the community on Wednesday after armed youth from Chalamini and Murahatiha allegedly opened fire near the school, causing panic among learners and staff.

No child was injured in the incident. However, the school was temporarily closed as pupils and teachers ran for safety.

According to the Commissioner, Tirangore youth pursued the suspected attackers after the shooting. This led to an exchange of gunfire in which two of the alleged assailants were killed. Several others reportedly escaped and remain at large.

During his visit, Commissioner Ponsiano said he had intended to hand over the bodies of the two deceased youths to their respective home villages of Chalamini and Murahatiha for burial.

However, the communities declined to receive the bodies.

The Commissioner urged all communities to avoid retaliation and instead work with authorities to restore peace and security across Greater Hiyala Payam.

He emphasized that dialogue and cooperation are critical to preventing further violence and protecting schools and civilians.

Elders in Tirangore welcomed the Commissioner’s efforts to promote peace, strengthen security, and rebuild social cohesion among neighboring communities.

They appealed to him to engage leaders from all surrounding bomas in dialogue to prevent further attacks and ensure lasting stability in the area.

"Only collective efforts and peaceful coexistence can prevent renewed conflict and allow schools and other essential services to operate without fear," the elders said.

Gov. Lobong Urges Security, Farming and Peace During Stopover in Kimotong

BY STAFF REPORTER
LORIYOK, KIMOTONG | July 16, 2026 —

Eastern Equatoria State Governor, H.E. Gen. Louis Lobong Lojore, has called on residents of Loriyok, Camp 15 in Kimotong Administrative Area to prioritize security, food production, and peaceful coexistence as the state prepares for the rainy season and upcoming elections.

The Governor made the remarks on Thursday during a stopover in Loriyok while en route to Kapoeta. He addressed members of the community on key issues affecting the area.

Security and Farming Priorities
Governor Lobong emphasized the need to maintain security along highways and major roads. He urged residents to cooperate with security organs to safeguard travelers and prevent criminal activities.

He also encouraged the community to actively engage in farming during the current rainy season to boost food production and improve household livelihoods.

Peace, Elections and Land Demarcation
The Governor called on residents to continue living peacefully and harmoniously with neighboring communities, saying peaceful coexistence is essential for sustainable development.

He further urged citizens to prepare responsibly for the forthcoming elections.

On administration, Governor Lobong stressed the importance of the proper demarcation of Camp 15 to promote orderly settlement, effective land management, and community development.

Local leaders welcomed the Governor’s visit and pledged to work with state authorities to implement the directives.

📢
Gov. Louis Lobong Lojore has suspended Torit County Commissioner Lokang Charles Italian.

BY STAFF REPORTER
TORIT, July 15, 2026 —

Eastern Equatoria State Governor Louis Lobong Lojore has suspended Torit County Commissioner Lokang Charles Italian indefinitely and appointed Torit Municipal Council Mayor William Eddy Ponsiano as caretaker commissioner of Torit County.

In the decree issued Wednesday Governor Lobong said Mayor Ponsiano will serve in both capacities as Mayor of Torit Municipal Council and caretaker Commissioner of Torit County — until further notice.

No official reason was given for Commissioner Lokang’s suspension.

The appointment takes effect immediately.

Administrative Changes
The governor’s office said the decision is aimed at ensuring continuity of service delivery and stability in Torit County during the transition period.

Mayor Ponsiano is expected to oversee county administration while maintaining his duties at the municipal council.