[OPINION] – Kakuwa Elections Offer Chance for Unity

The historical bond in the areas of Yei, Lainya and Morobo (homelands of the Kakuwa people) has long been strong. For generations, individuals in these areas lived peacefully and were self reliant, guided by values such as love, generosity, hard work and fear of God.

The Kakuwa community once set a unique example of social order that inspired other communities across South Sudan. Its cultural values and social cohesion extended beyond Kakuwa territories, influencing the broader Equatoria region and even the nation. Other South Sudanese groups admired and adopted aspects of Kakuwa civilisation to improve their own systems.

Here in Greater Yei, we are fortunate to live alongside the Kakuwa community. Many of us have inherited valuable traits from this group. I am personally proud to be among those with strong family ties to the Kakuwa tribe.

However, today’s Kakuwa community no longer reflects the historical strength it once embodied. Since the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in 2005, the community has experienced serious moral, social and political decline.

This decline has been marked by growing internal divisions. Different factions within the Kakuwa community have pursued influence and control over non partisan institutions, turning once united spaces into battlegrounds of ideology, intelligence, philosophy and self interest. This has weakened the community’s focus on collective goals and the well being of ordinary Kakuwa people.

Once a powerful and inspiring force, the Kakuwa community is now fractured along multiple lines. The shared techniques of advocacy and influence that once held sway have diminished. In the past, the Kakuwa stood strong because partisan politics did not dominate their internal affairs. Sadly, this unity has been eroded by the effects of war and political discontent.

The historical bonds have been strained. Social cohesion has collapsed. Hope has faded, and ancestral lands are now underpopulated due to fear and insecurity. Thousands of people are displaced, and many innocent lives have been lost, with no leadership to guide or defend them.

The economy in Kakuwa areas has suffered greatly, and those with the means to help have remained largely inactive. Now, lamentation is common, and the future of this once strong community is at risk. Youth, women, and other vulnerable groups feel powerless.

But there is hope. A new dawn is possible.

The Kakuwa must work to restore the unconditional unity that once defined them. The community must reject unsustainable political interference and instead choose leaders who understand the people’s history, values and core interests. We must not hand our future to opportunists who test the waters and withdraw when things get tough.

Instead, we must promote good leadership, build resilience against political manipulation and respect democracy, rule of law, human rights and justice. The Kakuwa community must also embrace the diversity of non Kakuwa communities to strengthen societal cohesion.

With determination and hard work, the Kakuwa will rise again socially, economically and technologically. Peace and prosperity can return.

In this spirit, leadership elections are healthy. They give people the chance to choose wisely, based on current circumstances and avoid repeating past mistakes. With unity before, during, and after the election, the Kakuwa community can move forward with hope.

I wish everyone the best of luck and success. Let us build a great future together.

Juma David Augustine is a community commentator and writer with deep ancestral and civic ties to the Greater Yei region. He advocates for inclusive governance, cultural preservation and grassroots development in South Sudan.

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