By Scopas Bethuel
The Pojulu Cultural Festival came to a triumphant close on Monday after three days of vibrant celebrations, cultural showcases, and resounding calls for unity and peace. Thousands gathered at Maj. Gen. Simon Wani Ramba Playground in Rock City, Juba, creating scenes reminiscent of South Sudan’s earliest independence celebrations.
One of the highlights of the event was a keynote speech by Dr. Martin Elia Lomuro, Chairman of the Pojulu Community and a senior government official, who commended the Pojulu people for organizing what has become one of the most talked-about cultural festivals in South Sudan.
“What you have done has got the nation talking. Even the President knows the magnitude of this festival,” said Dr. Elia during his closing remarks. “Through this, we are embracing our diversity and showing that social cohesion is possible. We want to set an example that peace can be achieved.”
The festival, held under the theme “Friendship Among Communities Can Unite South Sudan,” was not limited to the Pojulu community. Ethnic groups from across the country—including the Azande Kingdom, Chollo Kingdom, Nuer, Bari, Mundari, Avukaya, Otuho, and Kuku communities were invited and participated in the celebrations.
“This festival is no longer just a Pojulu event. The entire country is talking about it,” said Dr. Elia. “People are asking, ‘Where do you get all these people?’ If you are Pojulu, walk with your head high.”
Dr. Elia emphasized that the festival served not only as a celebration of culture but also as a platform for healing, dialogue, and identity. He shared a message from a Kakwa woman on social media who wrote, “Martin, thank you for organizing the festival—some Pojulu used to identify as Kakwa, but now they proudly say they are Pojulu. Even we Kakwa want to recognize ourselves as Pojulu.”
In a powerful gesture of cultural pride, Dr. Elia made two major declarations on behalf of the Pojulu community. First, he introduced official cultural attire: green bottoms and white tops will now be the formal dress for celebrations and green bottoms and white tops for mourning to distinguish the occasion.
Secondly, he announced the formation of the Lainya–Birigo Bridge Development Committee, tasked with initiating and overseeing infrastructure development linking Lainya County to Yumbe in Uganda. The committee includes Yugu Lumayat, Taban Gentleman, Taban Sawa, Engineer Lemi Stephen William, and Engineer Charles Taban among others.
The Pojulu Cultural Festival brought together communities from Lainya, Wonduruba, Pisak in Yei, and Tijor in Juba County. Attendees were treated to traditional dances, contemporary performances, artifact exhibitions, comedy, and cuisine that celebrated the heritage of the Pojulu people—a Nilohamitic ethnic group within the larger Karo group, which also includes the Bari, Kuku, Nyangbara, Kakwa, and Mundari.
With strong messages of identity, unity, and progress, the festival has reaffirmed its place not only as a cultural celebration but also as a nation-building event.