The Vicar General of the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio Rev. Fr. Thomas Bagbiowia has called on the newly graduated police officers in Western Equatoria State (WES) to prioritize the protection of civilians and uphold professionalism in their duties.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony on Tuesday, September 17, Rev. Fr. Thomas Bagbiowia addressed over 700 officers who had just completed a six-month refresher training program organized by the South Sudan National Police Service at Yambio police headquarters.
He urged them to focus on their mandate of ensuring civilian safety, as outlined in Section 7 of the Police Act, which emphasizes crime prevention, the protection of human life, and the safeguarding of public property.
“The police are not just enforcers of the law but also the guardians of public trust. Their role is to build relationships with the community by ensuring safety and security. Police officers should serve with integrity, as friends of the citizens,” Rev. Fr. Bagbiowia remarked.
He assured the officers of the church’s ongoing prayers, asking for divine wisdom and guidance as they took on maintaining peace and order.
Key state officials attended the event, including Lt. Gen. Alfred Futuyo Karaba, Governor of WES, Hon. Severino Morris, Minister of Local Government and Law Enforcement, and Police Commissioner Phillip Madut Tong.
Commissioner Madut Tong commended the graduates for their dedication and emphasized the importance of continuous training to tackle the state’s evolving security challenges.
“These officers are now better equipped with the skills and legal knowledge necessary to serve and protect effectively across Western Equatoria’s ten counties,” he said.
Governor Futuyo Karaba congratulated the officers, reminding them of their pivotal role in preserving peace and stability in the region. He urged them to perform their duties with discipline and a commitment to earning the community’s trust.
Hon. Severino Morris echoed these sentiments, stressing that law enforcement is essential for community safety. He emphasized the need for close collaboration between the police and local authorities to ensure effective service delivery.
Graduating this latest group of officers marks a significant step toward strengthening the law enforcement infrastructure in Western Equatoria, bolstering the state’s ability to protect civilians, maintain peace, and foster community trust.
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