By Obiala Angel De-son – Torit
Former Eastern Equatoria State Deputy Governor Hon. Nartisio Loluke Manir has officially declared his intention to contest for the governorship in the December 2026 General Elections, pledging to prioritize peace, security, and development if elected.
Loluke, who served as Deputy Governor of Eastern Equatoria State from 2010 to 2015, said his leadership would focus on restoring stability, promoting unity, strengthening security, and accelerating development across the state.
He called on citizens to carefully assess candidates and elect leaders capable of serving the interests of the people.
In his declaration, Loluke said he was presenting his candidacy to the people of Eastern Equatoria State for consideration, urging them to make informed decisions about their future leadership.
He expressed his ambition to restore the state’s legacy and dignity through effective leadership, emphasizing that peace and security would remain his top priorities.
On security, Loluke pledged to combat cattle raiding, recover stolen livestock and return them to their rightful owners, while strengthening relations between civilians and organized forces.
He also promised to create employment opportunities for young people and ensure the enactment and enforcement of laws to support security sector reforms and sustainable peace.
Regarding economic development, Loluke proposed establishing agricultural institutions and generating hydroelectric power from River Hinatie as part of efforts to expand the state’s revenue base.
He further identified solar energy, improved road infrastructure, and better network connectivity as essential components of economic transformation.
Loluke also proposed connecting the state capital to all eight counties through improved road networks and developing the agricultural potential of the green belt stretching from Magwi County to Western Torit, particularly Ikwoto County.
He said the region could provide a strong foundation for a carbon-ready market economy.
On education, Loluke pledged to strengthen the state’s education system through an inclusive approach involving children, teachers, parents, development partners, and the government.
He promised to ensure timely payment and motivation of teachers, construct and equip girls’ and boys’ boarding schools across all eight counties, and establish vocational training centres to equip young people with practical skills.
He also pledged to operationalize Torit University for Science and Technology fully and improve its facilities.
Additionally, Loluke proposed constructing Fr. Saturnino Stadium to promote sports development and enable Eastern Equatoria State to compete with neighbouring countries in sporting activities.
He also emphasized promoting peace education, patriotism, nationalism, and sports as essential elements of youth development.
On agriculture and food security, Loluke proposed introducing modern agricultural technologies to increase food production and attract investors to support commercial farming for domestic consumption and wider markets.
He further highlighted plans to construct fish ponds to boost fish production and promote tea cultivation in the Apatalanga wetland area.
Loluke identified the lowland areas of Lafon and Lopit as suitable for cultivating sesame, sorghum, and groundnuts, saying agricultural investment in these areas could help address food shortages in Eastern Equatoria State.
On natural resources, he proposed conducting geophysical surveys to identify available mineral deposits and attract investors for responsible mineral exploration and extraction.
He also pledged to promote the state’s cultural heritage, including the construction of royal palaces for traditional kings as part of efforts to preserve cultural identity and traditions.
Concluding his development agenda, Loluke emphasized strengthening the state’s economy through livestock production and the transportation of meat to neighbouring countries for commercial purposes and revenue generation.
His proposed priorities cover security, infrastructure, agriculture, education, energy, sports, natural resources, and cultural preservation, with peace and unity presented as the foundation for development in Eastern Equatoria State.