By David Ochan – Torit
The Magwi County Government has announced comprehensive security preparations ahead of the centenary celebrations of Holy Family Palotaka Parish, scheduled for Sunday, January 11, 2026, in the Western Deanery of the Catholic Diocese of Torit.
Speaking to Radio Emmanuel 89 FM, the County Commissioner of Magwi, Hon. Pole Pole Olum Benjamin, said ensuring the safety of worshippers and visitors remains the government’s top priority, as the event is expected to attract believers from across South Sudan and beyond.
Hon. Pole Pole noted that the county authorities are working closely with security organs and local communities to guarantee a peaceful and well-organized celebration. He also commended residents of Magwi County for their active participation in preparations, particularly in repairing sections of the Magwi–Palotaka road to ease the movement of people and goods during the celebrations.
//for the part of the county government, we are looking at the set-up of the security that will be provided in that area because, we are going to receive people from across the country, even some will come from other counties to our occasion here, so our number one preparation is to ensure the safety of the area and also the road is not all that fine, we have mobilized the community some potholes were covered and also, we as the government, we also did some spacing of area which are bad along Magwi to Polotaka road, these are some of the preparation, we made, we also encourage the community of Magwi county to be on that day because it is going to be historic day and polotaka is also an historic place where people need to know, how it is started and the important of it to us//
The commissioner described Palotaka as a historic site with deep spiritual significance, urging the local community to turn out in large numbers to witness and celebrate the milestone.
He further appealed to motorists, including motorcycle and vehicle drivers, to observe traffic regulations and avoid over-speeding during the event to prevent accidents and ensure public safety.
//yeah it is indeed through that on such occasion people might be over excited and some people may also change their habit, we are still advising the general public specially the motorist to a bit by the road safety policy and respect the right of those who are also moving footing and also their rights, so that to avoid having serious accident issues//
Hon. Pole Pole made the remarks during a phone interview with Radio Emmanuel 89 FM on Thursday from Magwi, reaffirming the county government’s commitment to a safe, peaceful, and successful centenary celebration at Holy Family Palotaka Parish.