Governor Jacob Dollar Ruot addresses congregants during a Christmas mass in Malakal on December 26, 2025. Courtesy photo

The Governor of Upper Nile State, Jacob Dollar Ruot, has ordered the release of more than ten inmates, including three women, from Malakal Main Prison.

According to the State Minister of Information, Peter Ngwojo, the freed inmates were serving sentences for minor offenses, including cases he described as gender-based violence (GBV)-related issues.

Governor Ruot made the decision on Thursday during a courtesy visit to Malakal Main Prison, as part of his broader assessment of state institutions.

Speaking to Eye Radio on Thursday, Minister Peter Ngwojo said the release was part of the governor’s New Year gesture aimed at promoting reconciliation, human rights, and justice in Upper Nile State.

“The governor of Upper Nile State today 15th January, visited Malakal Main Prison to assess the situation and the challenges facing prisoners. During the visit, he found about 90 inmates. A total of 12 inmates, out of 90 currently held at the prison, were released, including three female prisoners, while 53 others remain convicted,” he said.

“The governor also assessed the challenges facing the prison, including shortages of medical drugs, overcrowding, and poor hygiene,” he explained.

He said the governor also inspected the prison’s conditions and pledged to improve the status of the facility.

Ngwojo stated that a total of 12 inmates, out of 90 currently held at the prison, were released, including three female prisoners.

He added that Governor Ruot and his delegation provided food items to inmates, citing the state government’s commitment to supporting prisoners’ welfare, despite prisons being under the responsibility of the national government.