The Deputy Mayor for Administration and Finance in Nimule Municipality, Taban Godfrey Kurunyu, has called on local leaders to take a more active role in promoting peace and improving service delivery, urging them to use ongoing training as a platform to strengthen their leadership capacity.
Speaking at the opening of a five-day training on leadership, advocacy, and peacebuilding in Nimule, Kurunyu emphasized that effective grassroots leadership is essential to addressing community challenges and fostering stability across the municipality.
“I expect this training will build the capacity of our leaders in various jurisdictions and levels,” he said, noting that many participants have recently been elevated from lower administrative units such as cells and quarter councils to block-level leadership positions.
He highlighted that the transition of Nimule to municipal status in 2025 has introduced new governance structures, making capacity building for local leaders both timely and necessary.
“Leaders should be able to identify problems in their areas and find ways of resolving them,” Kurunyu said, urging participants to apply the knowledge gained to improve service delivery and respond effectively to community needs.
The deputy mayor also underscored the importance of peacebuilding, calling on leaders to act as advocates for unity and coexistence in their respective communities.
“As our Governor is a peace-loving leader, I expect all participants to promote peace within the municipality,” he added.
The training, organized by the Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative (WPDI), has brought together 50 community leaders drawn from 16 blocks across Nimule Municipality, including youth, women, local authorities, and opinion leaders.
Moro Alex Peter, WPDI’s Program Coordinator for Eastern Equatoria State, said the initiative is designed to equip participants with both theoretical knowledge and practical tools to address local challenges.
“We are here for a five-day training involving 50 community leaders,” he said. “By the end of the training, we expect their skills to be strengthened so they can effectively solve community issues and ensure that human rights are promoted.”
He added that the training focuses on leadership development, conflict resolution, advocacy, and peacebuilding, equipping participants to handle disputes and contribute to long-term stability in their communities.
Organizers say the initiative forms part of broader efforts to empower grassroots leaders, recognizing their critical role in strengthening social cohesion, enhancing governance, and supporting development in Nimule Municipality.
As Nimule continues to grow following its elevation to municipal status, officials say investing in local leadership will be key to ensuring sustainable peace and improved delivery of services to residents.
