Newly appointed Juba County Caretaker Commissioner Kalisto Lado has taken the oath of office after accepting the caretaker position, formally beginning his new assignment as Central Equatoria State prepares for the December general elections.
Kalisto was among several caretaker officials sworn in on Friday by Central Equatoria State Caretaker Governor Gen. Augustino Jadalla Kamilo Wani.
The swearing-in ceremony brought together six caretaker county commissioners, the Caretaker Mayor of Juba City Council, three deputy mayors, the Coordinator of Wonduruba Administrative Payam and the Coordinator for Security Affairs of Juba County.
Speaking during the ceremony, Governor Jadalla tasked the newly appointed leaders with preparing their respective areas for the forthcoming electoral process while maintaining peace, security and stability.
“One of your principal responsibilities is to prepare your respective counties and Juba City for the forthcoming electoral processes,” Governor Jadalla said.
He urged the officials to remain impartial and work with relevant electoral institutions to support voter and civic education.
The Governor also called on the new leaders to ensure that their offices remain open to all political parties, candidates and citizens, warning against allowing political differences to fuel tensions among communities.
“Political differences should never become a reason for communities to turn against one another,” he said.
Governor Jadalla further directed the officials to make security a collective responsibility, strengthen unity and social cohesion, and maintain Juba City as a safe, clean and orderly capital.
He also appealed to young people not to allow themselves to be used to promote violence during the election period.
Responding on behalf of the newly appointed county commissioners, Kalisto Lado assured the Governor that they would carry out their responsibilities with commitment and work toward fulfilling the government’s vision and mission.
Kalisto said the new commissioners understand their responsibility to protect people and their property and to promote security and stability across their respective areas.
Meanwhile, the newly appointed Caretaker Mayor of Juba City Council, Christopher Sarafino Wani Swaka, outlined plans to focus on maintaining Juba as a clean, green and secure city.
The newly sworn-in officials reaffirmed their commitment to peace, unity and stability as Central Equatoria moves toward the December elections.
