By Jurugo Emmanuel Ogasto
The nomination of candidates for Local Council One (LC1) elections has officially commenced across Adjumani District, with South Sudanese refugees living in different settlements expressing optimism that the upcoming elections will produce leaders capable of improving service delivery and strengthening collaboration within refugee communities.
Speaking to No. 1 Citizen Newspaper on Wednesday, refugees from Pagirinya, Nyumanzi, and Mungula refugee settlements said they expect the elections to bring in responsible and dedicated leaders who will work closely with both refugees and humanitarian partners to address the needs of the communities.
Monica Iziku, a refugee living in Pagirinya Refugee Settlement, said the LC1 elections provide an opportunity for residents to elect leaders who genuinely care about the welfare of refugees.
She noted that the next leaders should maintain close cooperation with refugee welfare councils, local government authorities, and humanitarian organisations to ensure that essential services reach those who need them most.
“We want leaders who are honest, accessible, and willing to listen to the concerns of the people. Good collaboration between refugee leaders and the community will help improve services and solve many of the challenges we face,” Iziku said.
In Nyumanzi Refugee Settlement, Juru Annet Tombe called on all eligible voters to participate peacefully in the electoral process and elect leaders based on integrity, commitment, and the ability to serve the entire community.
She said the elected LC1 leaders should promote unity among refugees from different backgrounds while working hand in hand with Refugee Welfare Councils, government officials, and development partners to improve education, healthcare, water supply, sanitation, and security within the settlements.
Tombe further urged candidates to conduct peaceful campaigns and avoid spreading hate speech or creating divisions that could undermine the peaceful coexistence that refugees have built over the years.
Meanwhile, Borigo Joel, a refugee residing in Mungula Refugee Settlement, expressed hope that the new leaders would strengthen communication between refugees and service providers operating in the settlements.
He said effective leadership would encourage accountability, transparency, and timely responses to the concerns of refugees, especially regarding access to social services and community development programs.
Joel also appealed to voters to elect leaders who are selfless and committed to serving the interests of everyone regardless of tribe, religion, or political affiliation.
As the nomination exercise continues across Adjumani District, many South Sudanese refugees remain hopeful that the elections will be conducted peacefully, fairly, and transparently.
They believe that electing competent LC1 leaders who work in close collaboration with refugee leadership structures, humanitarian agencies, and government authorities will contribute to better services, stronger community relations, and improved living conditions in the refugee settlements.