Morobo Hosts MPs from Yei and Lainya for Inter-County Dialogue on Development

(MOROBO COUNTY) – The County Commissioner of Morobo, Hon. Charles Data Bullen, has convened an inter-county dialogue bringing together civil society organisations and Members of Parliament to discuss pressing challenges of development, governance, and security affecting Morobo, Yei and Lainya counties.

The meeting took place on 4 September 2025 at the Chicago Hotel in Morobo. It was supported by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and its partners, who continue to provide assistance for peacebuilding and community engagement in Central Equatoria.

Four Members of Parliament attended the dialogue, arriving in Morobo the previous day. They joined civil society representatives from the three counties to examine gaps in service delivery and to reflect on the state of cooperation between elected leaders and their communities.

During the open discussions, Commissioner Bullen and civil society speakers voiced concerns that some Members of Parliament, elected as far back as 2010, had not made direct visits to their constituencies. Many have remained in Juba, raising questions over their commitment to engaging with local communities.

Community representatives said this lack of presence has left citizens feeling neglected and has limited accountability in decision making. They pointed to a growing sense that vital development projects were lagging behind, despite Morobo’s potential to benefit from its location and resources.

The Members of Parliament acknowledged the frustrations expressed. They said insecurity at the national level had been a major obstacle to frequent constituency visits. They also explained that community expectations were sometimes higher than the mandates given to them under the current system of government, which requires collaboration with both state and national institutions.

Commissioner Bullen, in his closing remarks, praised the role of non-governmental organisations in helping to facilitate the dialogue. He called on the Members of Parliament to strengthen their cooperation with county authorities and to prioritise initiatives that can bring tangible improvements to people’s lives:

“This dialogue is a critical step toward accountability and inclusive development. We must continue working together with government, civil society, and partners to uplift Morobo and the entire Central Equatoria State.”

MPs Face Community Questions in Morobo Dialogue