By James Innocent
Authorities in Yei River County have donated food supplies to more than 109 inmates at the county prison following concerns over food shortages affecting detainees.
The donation, led by the Yei River County Commissioner Emmanuel Taban Seme and supported by county authorities and security organs, aims to temporarily address the lack of food within the prison facility.
Speaking during the donation, Commissioner Seme said the food items provided are expected to sustain the inmates for approximately more than two weeks.
He emphasized the county governmentโs commitment to ensuring that detainees are treated humanely despite the prevailing economic challenges.
The commissioner urged inmates to refrain from criminal activities and called for discipline and peaceful coexistence within the prison, noting that economic hardship has placed additional pressure on public institutions, including correctional facilities.
He further assured prison authorities that additional food support would be mobilized to prevent hunger among inmates, stressing that all detainees deserve dignity and care regardless of the offenses they are accused or convicted of.
The newly appointed Director of Yei Prison Service, Major General Jackson Lumori, commended the county authorities for the timely intervention, saying the donation would help ensure the survival and wellbeing of inmates.
According to prison officials, the donated items include 20 bags of maize flour, 100 liters of cooking oil, and 10 bags of beans, which are expected to provide short-term relief.
Earlier, the outgoing Director of Prisons, Major General Franco Wani Tongun, had raised concerns that the prison lacked sufficient food to sustain more than 100 inmates, calling for urgent support from the county government and humanitarian partners to ensure sustainable assistance.