Emmanuel Sule|RADIO BAKHITA NEWS
Central Equatoria State has launched a five-kilometer Race for Peace and Development as part of broader efforts to promote unity, youth engagement, and sports development across the state.
The race, organized by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports in partnership with Imagine Academy and the Israeli Embassy in South Sudan, is scheduled to take place on July 12, 2026, starting at 6:00 a.m. from Rainbow Playground in Munuki.
Speaking during a media briefing in Juba, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Hon. Bush Buse, said the event aims to encourage healthy living, peaceful coexistence, reconciliation, and social cohesion among communities under the theme “Running for Peace.”
The President of the Juba Local Athletics Association, Joseph William Lado, said registration is already underway at Buluk Playground and remains free of charge. Participants will receive T-shirts and compete for medals in various categories. Organizers have also assured the public that security personnel, medical teams, and first-aid providers will be deployed throughout the event to ensure participants’ safety.
The launch of the race comes as the ministry marks its first 100 days in office. Presenting his performance report, Hon. Bush Buse highlighted achievements in institutional reforms, youth empowerment, sports development, and cultural promotion since assuming office in March this year.
According to the minister, the ministry has reconstituted the Youth and Sports Commission and the Juba Handball Association, improved staff performance, and drafted a five-year strategic plan to guide its activities. More than 60 stakeholder meetings have also been held with government officials, youth groups, sports associations, artists, and community leaders.
The ministry further relaunched the Monthly Youth Partnership Forum and successfully organized the Third Central Equatoria State Youth Union Convention to strengthen youth participation and leadership.
To improve sports infrastructure, the ministry has begun mapping playgrounds and recreational spaces across Juba, reclaimed a playground in Jebel Malakal, and secured land for future sports complexes in Morobo and Terekeka counties.
Hon. Bush Buse also highlighted support for sports tournaments, wrestling competitions, cultural events, and technical training opportunities, including the deployment of a coach to China for advanced training.
Despite these achievements, the minister acknowledged challenges such as limited funding, delayed salaries, and growing demands for employment opportunities among young people.
He pledged to continue expanding youth empowerment programmes, strengthening sports infrastructure, and building partnerships to advance culture, youth, and sports development across Central Equatoria State.