Armed Herders, Lack of Ambulance Top Wonduruba’s Grievances

(JUBA) – The Wonduruba community in Central Equatoria State has presented a list of urgent concerns to Governor Lt. Gen. Rabi Mujung Emmanuel, during a meeting held on Sunday, 13 July 2025.

The delegation was led by Paramount Chief Noel Laila and the Wonduruba Payam Administrator, Hon. Stephen Towongo.

The visit, which took place at the Governor’s office in Juba, was to congratulate the Governor on his recent appointment and to highlight pressing issues affecting the Wonduruba Administrative Payam.

According to the delegation, one of the most urgent problems is the continued encroachment of armed cattle herders believed to be from Jonglei State, particularly from the Dinka Bor community.

These incursions have reportedly led to insecurity, displacement, and disruption of farming and local livelihoods in Wonduruba.

The community also expressed serious concern over the lack of a functioning ambulance. Without proper emergency transport, pregnant women and critically ill patients are forced to travel long distances, often on foot or in unsafe conditions, to reach health centres.

The cost of acquiring a basic ambulance in South Sudan is approximately 150 million SSP (about USD 30,000), a figure far beyond the reach of most rural communities.

Other concerns raised included the poor state of roads, limited health facilities, insufficient schools, and general insecurity in the area.

Wonduruba’s Key Concerns	Impact on Community
Armed cattle herders from Jonglei	Insecurity, displacement, disrupted farming
Lack of ambulance	Delays in emergency care, risk to maternal and child health
Poor road connectivity	Hinders access to markets and services
Inadequate health and education facilities	Low literacy, poor healthcare access
General insecurity	Fear, reduced mobility, and disruption to daily life

In his response, Governor Mujung acknowledged the concerns presented and assured the delegation that the issues would be prioritised in the Central Equatoria State Government’s planning and development strategy.

He urged the Wonduruba community to maintain cooperation with the state administration, saying peace and development can only be achieved through unity and shared responsibility.

On the matter of armed cattle herders, the Governor pledged to take immediate steps to engage with relevant authorities in Jonglei and at the national level to resolve the inter communal tensions peacefully.

The Wonduruba delegation included a wide cross section of the community includingmbers of Parliament, state officials, traditional chiefs, Boma leaders, religious representatives, as well as youth and women’s leaders.