WES Governor Suspends Three Police Officers Due to Age After Training Graduation

By Jackson Gaaniko

Yambio – The Governor of Western Equatoria State (WES), Hon. Alfred Futuyo Karaba, suspended three police officers due to old age following their completion of a three-month training program. The announcement came during a graduation ceremony for 750 police officers, including 155 women, who successfully completed a six-month refresher training in Yambio.

The ceremony, held at Yambio Freedom Square, was marked by both celebration and concern. While the governor praised the overall success of the training, his decision to suspend the three officers sparked discussions about age and physical fitness in the force.

Governor Futuyo Karaba, addressing hundreds of graduates, explained the suspension: “It is important that our police officers are capable of performing their duties effectively. Unfortunately, age can sometimes hinder that ability. We must ensure that the officers we deploy are physically able to meet the demands of the job.”

The governor’s decision comes as the state seeks to strengthen its law enforcement capabilities by deploying the newly trained officers across various counties, payams, and bomas to ensure the protection of civilians and their property.

The suspensions were announced today during the graduation ceremony in Yambio, which saw the largest intake of officers completing training in recent years.

The event took place at Yambio Freedom Square, a central location in Western Equatoria State’s capital, where government officials, local leaders, and international representatives gathered for the occasion.

Governor Futuyo emphasized that the decision to suspend the officers was based on concerns about their ability to perform physically demanding tasks. He noted that all officers need to be capable of fully carrying out their duties, particularly in a state facing security challenges. “Policing is not only about maintaining the law; it’s about protecting citizens from harm, and that requires a certain level of fitness,” he added.

In addition, Governor Futuyo stressed the importance of education within the police force. “Police work today requires officers who can write reports, communicate clearly, and uphold professional standards. This is why we are calling on educated youth to join the force and support the government in its mission to maintain peace and security,” Futuyo urged. He highlighted the need for officers who are not only physically fit but also educated enough to handle the growing administrative and reporting demands of modern law enforcement.

The Governor further appealed to the national government to redeploy police officers who were recently transferred to Rajaf in Central Equatoria State, citing an urgent need for increased manpower to curb crime in Western Equatoria.

The Bigger Picture: The Police Commissioner of WES, Philip Madut Tong, commended the remaining graduates for their discipline and commitment during the training. However, he also pointed out that the training had faced logistical challenges such as inadequate food, accommodation, uniforms, and medical supplies, urging the national government and the Inspector General of Police to address these issues moving forward.

Hon. James Severino Morris, Minister of Local Government and Law Enforcement, reinforced the need for discipline among the newly graduated officers. He emphasized the importance of respect for civilians, especially women and youth, as part of their responsibility in law enforcement. “Your uniform is a symbol of service to the community. Treat it, and those you serve, with respect,” Morris said.

Mr. PA Nurudeen Bamidele Folorunsho, the UNMISS Field Office Police Coordinator in Yambio, praised the police force’s transformation and assured that UNMISS would continue supporting the National Police Service through capacity-building initiatives and the provision of essential resources.

The event was attended by key figures including Governor Futuyo, Commissioner Philip Madut Tong, SSPDF commanders, local government officials, international organizations, NGOs, and religious leaders.