The historic referendum process in Budi, Eastern Equatoria, is going on smoothly but there are security concerns in some parts of the county.
Budi County Commissioner Charles Adtul told Eastern Equatoria governor Louis Lobong Lojore that nearly half of registered voters of Lotukei Payam could not vote because they were afraid to cross other people’s territories.Mr. Adtul said residents of Haliba village in Budi County were still very scared and could not vote freely following the Christmas Eve attack that left five people dead and three injured.
Villagers who live on the mountains outside Himaan town claimed that an armed community from Kapoeta East moved their animals closer to the village and scared them from going to vote.
Governor Lobong said the county commissioners have all the necessary means and powers to deal with insecurity issues in the counties and should not wait for the governor to solve all problems.
About 80 goats were raided on Monday at Hirihori village about seven kilometres north of Chukudum.
The paramount chief of Budi County confirmed the incident to Emmanuel Radio.