The concern was raised during the council of ministers’ meeting on Thursday, chaired by Governor Rabi Mujung Emmanuel

By Aguok Chok 

The government of Central Equatoria State is calling for swift action on the incursion of Ugandans into Keja Keji authorities.

The concern was raised during the council of ministers’ meeting on Thursday, chaired by Governor Rabi Mujung Emmanuel.

In his address to the media after the cabinet meeting, Acting Information Minister Jacob Aligo Lo-Lado said the matter required urgent diplomatic attention.

“The Council reiterates that peaceful dialogue should be expedited to address this issue within the shortest time possible,” Aligo stated.

The Council of Ministers emphasized that the presence of foreign troops inside South Sudan undermines national integrity and called for immediate engagement between Juba and Kampala to resolve the issue through non-confrontational means.

In addition to the border concerns, the CES cabinet condemned last week’s attack on the Mogiri cattle market, urging restraint from all involved parties. The council appealed to the Greater Pibor Administrative Area and Jonglei State to avoid retaliatory incursions into CES territory, stressing that such actions could escalate tensions and harm inter-community relations.

Aligo also highlighted the growing insecurity in Mangalla caused by land grabbing and other malpractices allegedly perpetrated by Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from Jonglei State.

He continued that while the state continues to provide humanitarian space for those affected by floods and conflict, such practices cannot be tolerated.

The state government appealed to the national Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to facilitate the safe return of the IDPs to their areas of origin once flood conditions have eased.

“We must ensure that communities live in harmony and that displaced persons are supported to return home in dignity,” Aligo said.

The cabinet also discussed a memo presented by the State Minister of Housing, Land and Public Utilities, David Morbe, outlining cases of land grabbing within the state and offering recommendations for addressing them.

The council adopted key recommendations from the State Ministry of Housing, Land and Public Utilities, including the directive that all land demarcation within the state be handled exclusively by the ministry. This measure, the council agreed, would enhance proper land administration and curb illegal land occupation.

Furthermore, the cabinet instructed Minister Morbe to develop a comprehensive Land Policy to guide the administration and management of land in Central Equatoria State.

The policy is expected to set clear frameworks for ownership, allocation, and dispute resolution, thereby reducing land-related tensions.

The council reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the state’s territorial integrity, maintaining peace among communities, and ensuring lawful land use.