Tore Head Chief Raise Concern Over Taxes and Ambororo Cattle Herders

(TORE PAYAM, YEI RIVER COUNTY) – The Head Chief of Tore Payam, Dusman Jengo, has called on county and state authorities to address growing concerns over taxation at security checkpoints along the Yei-Maridi highway and the presence of roaming Ambororo cattle herders in the area.

Speaking during a joint meeting at the county headquarters on Friday, Jengo said residents are struggling to transport and sell agricultural produce due to what he described as excessive taxes imposed at checkpoints. He urged authorities to intervene, noting that the burden is affecting local livelihoods and limiting access to markets for rural farmers.

The chief also raised concerns about the movement of armed Ambororo cattle herders, alleging that their livestock have damaged community resources and contributed to insecurity in the Payam. He said community discussions have repeatedly highlighted the need for dialogue and peaceful mechanisms to resolve disputes between local communities and pastoral groups.

Jengo further noted that thousands of returnees from refugee settlements in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo have returned to Tore Payam, placing additional pressure on limited public services. He cited inadequate healthcare services, shortages of medicines and health workers, limited police presence, and a shortage of teachers, with only one school currently operating in the Payam.

Meanwhile, Yei River County Paramount Chief Joseph Brown Lomose called on county authorities to develop lasting solutions to challenges facing residents in the rural areas of the county. He emphasized the importance of continued dialogue between government officials, traditional leaders and communities to address security and development concerns.

For his part, Major General John Lual, the SSPDF Commander for Greater Yei, urged community leaders to cooperate closely with security institutions in tackling local security challenges. He encouraged residents to use lawful channels to resolve disputes and report criminal activities through established legal procedures.

The meeting focused on security threats affecting humanitarian workers and their ability to deliver services to vulnerable communities, as well as broader challenges related to healthcare, education, security and development across Yei River County.