By Jackson Gaaniko
Community leaders in Nimule Municipality on Tuesday began a five-day training aimed at strengthening peace, unity, and effective local governance.
Speaking to the media, the Deputy Mayor for Administration and Finance of the Nimule Municipal Council, His Worship Taban Koronyon Kazangua, expressed appreciation to Eastern Equatoria State Governor Louis Lobong for elevating Nimule to a municipality in 2025.
He noted that the elevation has significantly improved service delivery and strengthened local administration.
Kazangua also commended the Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative for organising the training, highlighting its timely delivery as new leadership structures are being established across the area.
“Following the elevation of Nimule to a municipality, leadership structures have expanded from the cell level to quarter councils and block levels. Many of the newly selected leaders have not yet received formal training,” Kazangua explained.
He expressed confidence that the program will equip leaders with the necessary skills in governance, administration, and community leadership to perform their duties effectively.
He added that participants are expected to better identify community challenges and address them through dialogue, coordination, and practical solutions.
“We expect them to return as responsible leaders who promote peace, unity, and peaceful coexistence within Nimule Municipality,” he said.
The five-day training brings together 50 community leaders from 16 blocks across Nimule Municipality.
Program Coordinator Alex Moropita stated that the initiative is designed to strengthen leadership capacity, promote human rights, and enhance peaceful coexistence.
“By the end of the training, participants are expected to gain practical knowledge and tools to address community challenges and support conflict resolution,” Moropita noted.
Facilitator Tabano William added that the program builds upon long-term peacebuilding efforts that began in 2014, emphasising that consistent community engagement has helped strengthen local leadership over the years.
Nimule Municipality, a key border town in Magwi County, has faced social and economic challenges, making leadership capacity building an essential component for ongoing stability and development.
Organisers anticipate that the training will further improve coordination among local leaders, strengthen conflict resolution mechanisms, and promote inclusive governance at the grassroots level.