By Alan Clement
The government of Eastern Equatoria State has endorsed plans to convert the historic radio operation building inside Torit Military Garrison, widely known as the “Silent Window,” into a museum.
The endorsement of the site dedicated to the Torit Uprising and South Sudan’s liberation struggle was done during the 17th regular State council of Ministers’ sitting in Torit earlier this year. On Thursday September 4th, 2025, Governor Louis Lobong Lojore visited the site as part of efforts to preserve key historical sites in the state.
“This building is not just a structure; it represents the courage and determination of our people during the struggle for freedom. Transforming it into a museum will allow our children to learn where we came from and why our independence matters,” Lobong stated in a statement.
The “Silent Window” holds particular historical significance. In 1955, a South Sudanese patriot used a bow and arrow to kill an Arab radio operator at the site, preventing intelligence about the planned Torit Uprising from being relayed to Juba or Khartoum. The act ensured the secrecy of the uprising, a pivotal moment in South Sudan’s liberation history.
The mutiny which quickly spread to other towns including Juba, Yei, and Maridi, resulted in hundreds of deaths and mass executions. Though suppressed, it marked the beginning of armed insurgency and laid the groundwork for the Anyanya rebellion in 1963 and ultimately South Sudan’s independence in 2011.
The governor also emphasized the importance of safeguarding historical landmarks for future generation and confirmed that a technical team will soon be dispatched to assess the requirements for the museum’s establishment.
The planned museum is expected to become a cultural and educational center, preserving artifacts and accounts from the Torit Uprising while strengthening national identity through historical remembrance.
No timeline has been announced for the renovation, but planning and resource mobilization are expected to begin following the assessment team’s report.