By Ijoo Bosco
From long-awaited roads and classrooms to cross-border security and trade, Ikwoto County Caretaker Commissioner Dominic Onyu Paul is placing development and peaceful coexistence at the centre of his leadership agenda, reaching out to communities at home while strengthening diplomatic ties with neighbouring Uganda.
In a significant community engagement in Kalabong Village, Lomuleny Boma, Dominic met residents to hear their concerns and discuss practical solutions to some of the area’s most pressing challenges.
At the heart of the community’s demands were three basic but critical needs: reliable road access to the county headquarters, clean drinking water, and the construction of a school to expand educational opportunities for children.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner acknowledged the concerns and pointed to his previous development record as Commissioner of the former Geria County under the 32 States administrative system.
He recalled that during his previous tenure, his administration facilitated the opening of the road linking Kalabong to the headquarters and the drilling of a borehole to improve access to safe drinking water.
Dominic pledged to engage relevant government institutions and development partners to explore avenues for mobilising resources towards the construction of a school in Kalabong, a move that would address one of the community’s longstanding development needs.
The Commissioner also called on residents to take an active role in the country’s political processes by participating in the ongoing Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) membership registration and preparing for the forthcoming national voter registration ahead of the scheduled elections.
The engagement was attended by the SSPDF Commander of Ikwoto Base and other county dignitaries, reflecting the importance of cooperation between local leadership, security institutions, and communities.
While development remains a priority within Ikwoto, the Commissioner is also turning attention towards the security and economic challenges affecting communities along the South Sudan–Uganda border.
On Monday, Dominic led a high-level delegation to meet his Ugandan counterpart, Lamwo District Resident District Commissioner William Komakech, in a bilateral engagement aimed at strengthening relations between the two neighbouring administrative areas.
Discussions centred on cross-border security, cattle raiding, trade, and the need to promote peaceful coexistence among communities living along the frontier.
Welcoming the initiative, Komakech commended Dominic for extending a gesture of peace, solidarity, and cooperation, describing constructive engagement between local authorities as important to maintaining stability along the common border.
He urged communities on both sides to embrace dialogue, mutual respect, and collective responsibility in protecting peace and security.
Komakech also called on the new leadership to intensify public education and community awareness, particularly on the dangers of cattle raiding, retaliatory accusations, and actions that fuel tensions between neighbouring communities.
He emphasised that communities must move away from cycles of blame and confrontation and instead embrace cooperation that supports free trade, social interaction, and development.
The two engagements highlight the growing importance of connecting local development priorities with regional peacebuilding efforts.
For residents of Kalabong and other communities along the border, the issues are closely linked. Roads, schools, clean water, security, and economic opportunities are all essential to improving livelihoods and building a stable future.
As Ikwoto and Lamwo seek stronger cooperation, the challenge now lies in translating commitments into practical action that communities can see and benefit from.
Ultimately, the success of this renewed engagement will be measured not only by meetings held and promises made but also by tangible improvements in people’s lives and lasting peace across the border.