A Catholic priest in the Catholic Diocese of Torit has made a fervent appeal to the government to improve health services nationwide. Father Joseph Otto, the parish priest of Our Lady of Sorrow Kapoeta parish, expressed his sentiments during a thanksgiving mass held at the residence of Minister Josephine Napwon Cosmos, the national Minister of Environments.
The mass not only celebrated Minister Josephine’s recovery from an illness she recently battled in Nairobi, Kenya but also marked her appointment to the SPLM Political Bureau, alongside Governor Louis Lobong Lojore and Tulio Odongi Ayahu.
Father Otto lamented that political leaders often opt to seek medical treatment abroad instead of investing in advanced medical equipment to treat their compatriots at home. He emphasized that this trend had resulted in some South Sudanese losing their lives while seeking treatment abroad.
Addressing the congregation, Father Otto passionately stated, “It is essential for all of you prominent individuals to take immediate action in establishing hospitals here. When you seek treatment abroad, you become vulnerable to exploitation. If you leave and are well-known with significant influence in society, chances are you will not return. This responsibility should rest with us alone, as we can protect our lives. By surrendering our lives to others, we put ourselves at risk.”
He continued, “I share this message with great anguish, urging you to prioritize this issue and invest in your country. I know that elections are approaching, and lives will be lost needlessly. There is no need for that. Simply reach out to the people, introduce yourself humbly, and refrain from becoming irritated if some reject you. Just step aside and listen.”
Father Otto also stressed the importance of achieving 50 percent women’s representation in leadership positions, which he believed was hindered by cultural biases. He expressed, “Our society undervalues women and disapproves of them due to cultural prejudices. In South Sudan, we attempted a 35 percent representation, but I implore you to provide women with 50 percent representation in leadership. With equal representation, no one will resort to armed conflict. We must not underestimate women; they are the ones holding the torch since they bear the burden of food scarcity. If husbands fail to provide sufficient food, women deserve the chance to secure it.”
Father Otto explained that “50 percent plus 50 percent equals 100 percent. When there is enough food at home, strife dissipates. Why settle for only 30 percent when a 50/50 distribution would divide this country into two, women and men, and all men would flock to where the women are? I am not exaggerating; it is true. We must prioritize the well-being of women and the rights of all individuals when considering the future of our country.”
Alex Lokai, the youth leader for Kapoeta South County, expressed concerns about unemployment among the youth, which fosters idleness and crime. Lokai cited the high illiteracy rate and encouraged parents to enroll their children in school. He stated, “It is every parent’s responsibility to ensure their children, especially girls, receive an education. Peace begins at home, spreads through the community, and extends to the government. Therefore, we must raise our families well, take care of our children, and fulfill our responsibilities. This is a challenge we must embrace and work tirelessly to raise awareness within our community. We must protect our schools from destruction and request government support to achieve this.”
During the event, Minister Josephine Napwon Cosmos generously donated four vehicles to three youth leaders in greater Kapoeta and the SPLM office. In her speech, the national minister urged leaders to prioritize the well-being of the suffering population, particularly the youth.
She appealed, “Let us work together, without strife or chaos, for the betterment of our young people and our country. Act in the best interest of your constituents. This is the message I want to convey. Today marks a thanksgiving prayer for myself, and on this day, I humbly ask if there is anyone I have wronged to forgive me. I am embarking on a new path, and if there is anyone who has wronged me, know that I have forgiven you from the depths of my heart.”