Morobo Commissioner Rewards Retired Chief for Supporting Youth Leadership

(MOROBO COUNTY) – The Commissioner of Morobo County in Central Equatoria State Hon. Charles Data Bullen has honoured retired Chief Lwate Alfonsio with an appreciation award valued at 1 million South Sudanese Pounds (about 141 US dollars) for his contribution to community leadership and his decision to step down to give room for younger leaders.

The award was presented on 21 October 2025, fulfilling a promise the commissioner made earlier in the year during his visit to Wudabi Payam, where he had pledged to recognise traditional leaders who voluntarily retired to allow a new generation to take charge of local leadership.

Chief Alfonsio, who has served his community for many years, expressed his gratitude and said it was time for the youth to lead.

“My time to serve my community has passed. It is now time for the young generation,” he said.

Commissioner Bullen praised the retired chief for his decision, calling it an example of progress and modernisation in local governance.

“We need all payams in Morobo to embrace modern administrative systems and reinforce youth involvement at the grassroots level,” the commissioner said during the ceremony.

The event attended by officials from both the state and national governments marked a symbolic moment in Morobo County’s efforts to encourage generational leadership transitions, according to the office of the county commissioner.

Wudabi Payam recently elected Sarafino Aluma as its new chief in an election held three months ago. His election was seen as a clear sign of generational change in the area. Aluma now joins seven other youthful chiefs serving in different parts of Morobo County.

Commissioner Bullen said this generational shift should continue to strengthen local governance and prepare communities to face future social and administrative challenges.

Chief Alfonsio Rewarded for Supporting Youth Leadership in Morobo