Charles Udwar Ukech
Charles Udwar Ukech | |
|---|---|
| Speaker of the Eastern Equatoria State Transitional Legislative Assembly | |
| Assumed office 8 April 2024 | |
| President | Salva Kiir Mayardit |
| Personal details | |
| Nationality | South Sudanese |
| Party | Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) |
| Occupation | Politician |
Charles Udwar Ukech is a South Sudanese politician who serves as the Speaker of the Eastern Equatoria State Transitional Legislative Assembly. He was appointed in April 2024 following a presidential decree and has since played an active role in regional governance, conflict resolution, and community peace initiatives.
Political career
Appointment as Speaker
Udwar was sworn in as Speaker on 8 April 2024 in Torit. His appointment followed a decree by President Salva Kiir Mayardit that reshuffled several state officials. In his inaugural speech, Udwar emphasized inclusivity, dialogue, and respect within the assembly.[1][2]
Leadership and legislative activities
On 2 September 2024, Udwar issued a parliamentary order reshuffling committee heads aligned with the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM), relieving several officials and appointing new leadership within the assembly.[3]
In February 2025, Udwar chaired a major stakeholder forum addressing intercommunal conflict and cattle migration in the region. The forum adopted fifteen resolutions, including calls for disarmament, compensation for destroyed property, and the return of abducted individuals.[4]
During a legislative recess in 2025, Udwar publicly urged security agencies to protect communities affected by violence and condemned the destruction of homes and farms in conflict-affected counties.[5]
Capacity-building and governance engagements
Udwar participated in capacity-building initiatives led by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), focusing on conflict resolution, community dialogue, and legislative effectiveness.[6][7]
Other roles
Before becoming Speaker, Udwar served as Vice President of the South Sudan Football Association (SSFA). He participated in football governance, youth engagement, and federation partnerships, including corporate contributions toward national football programs.[8][9]
Leadership style
Udwar is known for advocating inclusive governance and community participation. In his inaugural address, he highlighted the importance of providing a platform for all ethnic communities in Eastern Equatoria and acknowledged institutional challenges such as salary delays, limited resources, and the absence of an emoluments act for constitutional post-holders.[1]
References
- ^ a b "State Legislative: New Speaker takes oath, promises inclusiveness". Catholic Radio Network. 9 April 2024. Retrieved 25 November 2025.
- ^ "Kiir reshuffles and fires state officials, legislators in select states". Radio Tamazuj. 8 April 2024. Retrieved 25 November 2025.
- ^ "E. Equatoria parliament speaker reshuffles SPLM party committee heads". Radio Tamazuj. 2 September 2024. Retrieved 25 November 2025.
- ^ "Eastern Equatoria stakeholders resolve to return Bor cattle to origin". Sudans Post. 7 February 2025. Retrieved 25 November 2025.
- ^ "Eastern Equatoria lawmakers begin three months recess; Governor urges action on conflicts". Africa Press. 14 January 2025. Retrieved 25 November 2025.
- ^ "Lawmaker's increased skills have improved efforts to resolve conflicts in Eastern Equatoria". UNMISS. 2024. Retrieved 25 November 2025.
- ^ "Eastern Equatorians agree peace requires collective action—now". UNMISS. 2025. Retrieved 25 November 2025.
- ^ "Kiir fires Juba County commissioner and many others". Eye Radio. 2020. Retrieved 25 November 2025.
- ^ "Tristar Newsletter - Volume 37" (PDF). Tristar Group. 2021. Retrieved 25 November 2025.