Kakwa Community Elects Isaac Dada Lemi as New Leader

(JUBA) – The Kakwa community in South Sudan has elected Isaac Dada Lemi as its new leader after a peaceful and competitive vote held on 16 August 2025.

Lemi received 191 votes, defeating his rival Hon Jacob Aligo, a sitting Member of Parliament and Minister of Peace Building, who obtained 102 votes. The newly elected leader will serve a five year term until 2029.

Lemi brings with him a wide range of professional experience. He currently serves as Director of Administration and Logistics at the National Communication Authority. His background includes work as a teacher, entrepreneur and youth leader. He holds academic qualifications in Economic Development, Business Administration and Development Studies.

His election is viewed as a reflection of the community’s commitment to internal democracy, even as the country has yet to hold a national election since independence in 2011. Community level polls, however, have remained a consistent example of peaceful decision making across different regions of South Sudan.

The Kakwa community is located at the tri-border area of Uganda, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Its cultural identity and heritage have traditionally played an important role in promoting unity and maintaining social cohesion among its people.

Voting Results