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Kajo-Keji – Al-Wadi Newspaper
Kajo-Keji County Commissioner, Wani Jackson Mule, has pledged logistical support to the Assessment Committee of the Kajo-Keji Union of People with Disabilities (KKUPWD), including the provision of a vehicle to facilitate the committee’s access to Nyepo and Liwolo for essential fieldwork activities.
The commitment was made during a field visit the Commissioner conducted to the union’s office in Mere last week, where he was briefed on the major challenges facing the union—chief among them, the lack of reliable transportation.
Commissioner Mule emphasized that the current economic crisis in the country continues to hinder the effective delivery of services. However, he reaffirmed his local government’s commitment to supporting community-based initiatives that advocate for vulnerable groups, particularly persons with disabilities.
He added that his administration will work to provide transportation to ease the movement of the assessment committee and help it reach remote communities that are otherwise difficult to access without government support.
Lubang Simaya, Program Director at KKUPWD, highlighted that limited mobility remains one of the key obstacles affecting their outreach work, especially in underserved areas of Nyepo and Liwolo. He also noted the union’s struggle with a lack of adequate office space, making it difficult to safely store equipment and materials.
Simaya expressed appreciation for the support received from ACROSS – South Sudan, which provided the union with household furniture and kitchen utensils that are now being rented out as an income-generating activity, contributing to the union’s economic resilience.
According to KKUPWD data, 857 people with disabilities have been registered to date, although the union estimates that the actual number may be higher due to ongoing social stigma and limited awareness campaigns at the grassroots level. These barriers often discourage individuals from registering or being publicly identified.
The Commissioner’s visit, which was made at the union’s request, provided a valuable opportunity to discuss ways of enhancing the inclusion of people with disabilities in development and service programs, and to strengthen cooperation between the local government and civil society to ensure no one is left behind.
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