Mujung Calls for Families to Strengthen Youth Guidance in Juba

(JUBA) – The Governor of Central Equatoria State Rabi Mujung Emmanuel has called for stronger moral values, unity and peace among communities in the state.

He made the remarks on Sunday while attending prayers at St. John Parish Church in Buluk, where he joined worshippers as part of his regular Sunday visits to different congregations in Juba.

The governor was accompanied by the State Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Lupai Satimon Andrew and the State Minister of Peace Building, Jacob Aligo Lo Lado.

Addressing the congregation, Governor Mujung reflected on what he described as strong family and community values that guided earlier generations.

He said families once played a central role in raising disciplined children who later became responsible citizens and leaders. He questioned why similar values appear to be weakening in many households today.

He encouraged families to revive practices that promoted respect, discipline and cooperation within communities.

The governor also expressed concern about increasing incidents of land grabbing, youth crime and young people joining holdout groups.

He said many of the young people involved in these activities were raised in churches and should therefore not be left without guidance.

He called on parents, church leaders and community elders to help direct young people back to peaceful behaviour and constructive activity.

Mujung also spoke about the role of churches in South Sudan’s history, saying the church supported communities during the Anya Anya movement, the Comprehensive Peace Agreement period and the current peace process.

He said the same spirit of contribution is still needed today to help build unity and peace in the state.

“We all want peace because we must deliver services,” the governor said. “Unity among our people is important if we are to face the challenges before us.”

The Parish Priest of St. John Parish Church, Rev. Canon Mary Melesin, welcomed the governor’s visit and said cooperation between the church and the state is important for community well being. She said the church will continue to work with the government to promote peace and stability.

However, she raised concern over reports of children being taken to military barracks under unclear circumstances.

She appealed to the state government to look into the matter urgently, saying the safety of children and the general security of families depend on government action.

She said the responsibility for protecting communities “lies in the hands of government leaders”.

The governor did not publicly respond to the security concerns raised, but his visit was received warmly by the congregation, who joined in prayers for peace and stability in Central Equatoria State and across South Sudan.