The sworn-in chief administrators, Lomanat Kevin Jospeh of Kauto in Greater Kapoeta and Lino Atari Obiong of Imehejek Administrative Area, have expressed gratitude for their appointment

By Theophilous Ochang

Two newly appointed Chief Administrators for the Kauto and Imehejek administrative areas were officially sworn in during a ceremony held in Torit on Wednesday.

Lomanat Kevin Joseph will serve as Chief Administrator of Kauto in Greater Kapoeta, while Lino Atari Obiong takes office as Chief Administrator of Imehejek.

Gratitude to Leadership and Party

During the ceremony, Lomanat Kevin Joseph expressed deep appreciation to the state leadership and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) for entrusting them with the responsibility.

“I stand before you today to express our sincere gratitude to the Honourable Governor and our party SPLM for recognizing and appointing us as Chief Administrators of Kauto and Imehejek,” he said.

Kevin praised Governor Louis Lobong’s leadership, crediting his efforts for fostering a peaceful environment across Eastern Equatoria State.

“Honourable Governor, your commitment has not gone unnoticed. We are genuinely thankful for the positive impact your leadership has created, making Eastern Equatoria a peaceful place to live.”

He described the appointments as a sign of trust and a call to action, vowing to help deliver essential services with integrity and shared vision.

“We share this vision with you and are ready to serve our people faithfully,” Kevin added.

Governor Lobong: Be Servants of the People

In his remarks, Governor Louis Lobong Lojore welcomed the new administrators and reminded them of the weight of public service.

“You are welcome to the field of service. As servants of the people, you are expected to deliver,” the governor stated.

He noted that stepping into public office comes with scrutiny, urging the new officials to rise above criticism and avoid being swayed by claims of favoritism.

“Some may come to you and say, ‘We are the ones who brought you.’ But let me be clear, no one imposed you on us. You were recommended by the SPLM based on your merit,” Lobong emphasized.

Mobilizing Resources to Meet Community Needs

The governor also called on the administrators to work closely with their communities to mobilize local resources and develop realistic budgets.

“The budget lies with the people. The communities of Greater Imehejek, the Lopit, the Tenet, and others—when they requested for Payams and Bomas, they expressed their readiness and capacity to manage their own affairs.”

He stressed that the formation of local governments must be accompanied by the responsibility to deliver, urging the administrators to translate the trust placed in them into tangible results.

The Significance of Kauto and Imehejek in Eastern Equatoria

Kauto and Imehejek are key administrative areas within Eastern Equatoria State, each playing a crucial role in governance, service delivery, and local development.

Kauto, located in Greater Kapoeta, serves as a strategic hub for pastoralist communities and cross-border trade with Kenya. Its administrative recognition is part of broader efforts to strengthen local governance and improve service delivery in remote areas.

Imehejek, on the other hand, is a vital administrative center for the Lopit and Tenet communities. Its establishment is a response to grassroots demands for self-governance and localized development planning, allowing for better cultural representation and resource allocation.

Both areas are expected to serve as models of decentralized governance in South Sudan’s ongoing efforts to deepen peace, equity, and grassroots empowerment.

Profile: Lomanat Kevin Joseph – Chief Administrator, Kauto

Lomanat Kevin Joseph is a seasoned public servant and community mobilizer with deep roots in the Greater Kapoeta region. Known for his calm leadership style and inclusive approach, he has been actively involved in local peacebuilding and youth empowerment initiatives. His appointment is widely seen as a nod to his community-based leadership and understanding of the challenges facing pastoralist populations.

Profile: Lino Atari Obiong – Chief Administrator, Imehejek

Lino Atari Obiong brings with him years of experience in grassroots governance and local administration. A respected figure among the Lopit and Tenet communities, he has previously served in various civic roles and is recognized for championing education and health access in rural areas. His appointment is expected to bridge the gap between traditional leadership structures and formal government systems.