By James Innocent
Over 24 local chiefs from the three counties of Central Equatoria State – Lainya, Morobo, and Yei River are attending a two-day capacity-building training session for traditional leaders.
The training aimed to enhance the effectiveness of customary and dispute resolution mechanisms, aligning them with national laws, human rights principles, and adhering to the Local Government Act of 2009 and the Child Act of 2008.
Speaking at the opening of the workshop, Brenda Ambani, a UNDP representative, commended the chiefs for their commitment and encouraged them to use the knowledge gained to benefit their communities, inspiring others to continue acquiring these valuable skills.
Aggrey Cyrus Kanyikwa, the commissioner of Yei River County, emphasized the importance of the chiefs’ role as peacemakers in the society, urging them to shape the younger generation to become future leaders.
One of the paramount chiefs from Lainya County, Matthew Ladu acknowledged the need for more such opportunities to equip chiefs with the necessary knowledge of South Sudanese laws.
He also called for the provision of transportation and motivation, as chiefs often lack salaries.
For his part, Leon Ade, the minister for local government in Central Equatoria State, stressed the collective responsibility of chiefs to ensure unity and love among the youth in the region.