Newly appointed SPLM State Secretary Gabriel Jago Nyawelle, alongside county commissioners and the Malakal town mayor, during their swearing-in ceremony in Malakal - Credit: Office of Governor

The Governor of Upper Nile State, Lt. Gen. James Koang Chuol Ranley, presided over the swearing-in ceremony of Gabriel Jago Nyawelle as the SPLM State Secretary on Tuesday afternoon, according to a statement from the Office of the Governor.

The ceremony, which took place at the SPLM State Secretariat in Malakal, also included the swearing-in of several county chairpersons. Governor Koang serves concurrently as the SPLM State Chairperson.

Additional officials took their oaths of office during the event. These included the commissioners of Baliet, Maiwut, and Akoka counties, as well as the Mayor of Malakal Town.

In his remarks during the event, Koang stated his commitment to peace, unity, and reconciliation among the population of Upper Nile State.

The Governor directed the appointed officials to conduct mobilization campaigns for the party and register new members into the SPLM organization. He instructed the officials to engage communities at the local levels as the country prepares for the general election scheduled for December 2026.