Residents: VP Wani Igga Leaves Yei Without Answers on Juba-Yei-Kaya Road Construction

(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – Vice President Dr James Wani Igga has concluded his visit to Yei River County and returned to Juba on Thursday after laying the foundation stone for the proposed University of Yei. However, many residents say they were left without clear answers regarding the long-awaited construction of the Juba-Lainya-Yei-Morobo-Kaya Highway.

During the Vice President’s visit, residents from Yei River, Lainya and Morobo counties expressed hopes that both Dr Wani Igga and Central Equatoria State Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony would provide a clear timeline and action plan for tarmacking the highway, a strategic road linking South Sudan to Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

resident Remo Moses said many citizens expected the Vice President to address the deteriorating condition of the highway, which continues to affect movement of people and goods across the region.

“The Vice President was with us in Yei, but unfortunately he did not make any clear comments on when the Juba-Lainya-Yei-Morobo-Kaya Highway will be tarmacked. People expected him to speak about the road as the country prepares for elections in December,” Moses said.

Another resident, Arike Ladu, said the road remains one of the most pressing infrastructure concerns for communities in the area.

“The Juba-Yei-Morobo Road is a busy and strategic route for South Sudan. We expected answers from the Vice President on when the construction would begin as a significant development project for the people of Yei, Lainya and Morobo counties,” he said.

Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony, Yei River County Commissioner Samuel Henry Malimbo, senior security officials and other government representatives accompanied Dr Wani Igga to Yei Airstrip as he concluded his visit.

During his stay, the Vice President urged residents of Yei to maintain peace, unity and cooperation as South Sudan moves closer to its planned electoral process. He also stressed the importance of education and development as key pillars for community resilience and national progress.

The foundation-laying ceremony for the proposed University of Yei was welcomed by local leaders and residents, who described the project as an important step toward expanding access to higher education in the region.

Despite the positive reception of the university initiative, local communities continue to highlight challenges including poor road infrastructure, gaps in health services, limited educational facilities and obstacles affecting agricultural production.

Authorities and community leaders have also called for increased investment to support the return and reintegration of South Sudanese refugees returning from Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

County officials say addressing these challenges will require coordinated efforts between the national and state governments, development partners and local communities.

The Vice President’s visit comes as leaders continue to advocate for peace, unity and development ahead of South Sudan’s anticipated electoral process.