Juba, 25 February 2025 — The Ma’di Welfare Association (MAWA) is facing an internal leadership dispute that has exposed deep divisions within the Ma’di community in Juba. 

At the center of the controversy is MAWA’s chairperson, Joseph Gama Okollo, a former resident of Australia who returned to South Sudan during a period of national instability. Some community members have questioned his leadership and background, alleging that he is viewed by sections of the Ma’di community as an outsider. These claims, however, remain unverified. 

According to several sources who spoke on condition of anonymity, tensions escalated when Mr. Okollo proposed registering the Ma’di people of South Sudan as a formal organization and amending MAWA’s existing constitution. The move was reportedly challenged by the association’s Secretary General, Drichi Taban, who argued that the Ma’di, as citizens of South Sudan, cannot be registered as an organization and that MAWA’s mandate is limited to serving the Ma’di community residing in Juba. 

The disagreement is said to have intensified after Mr. Okollo allegedly issued a directive dismissing the Secretary General and demanding the surrender of official association materials, including the organizational stamp, within 24 hours. Sources claim the matter has since drawn the attention of security authorities, raising concerns among some community members about the safety of those involved. No official statement has been issued by the National Security Service regarding the matter. 

Community elders are now being urged to intervene. Several members have called upon the supreme Ma’di traditional authority, Lopirigo, to convene a meeting of elders and opinion leaders to address the dispute and prevent further escalation. 

The current tensions come amid broader concerns about unity within community-based organizations in Juba. Observers note that internal disagreements over constitutional mandates, leadership authority, and registration processes are not uncommon among diaspora and local associations, particularly during periods of political uncertainty. 

Efforts to obtain direct comment from Mr. Okollo and Drichi Taban were unsuccessful at the time of publication. 

As the situation unfolds, community leaders say dialogue and adherence to constitutional procedures will be critical in resolving the impasse and preserving cohesion within MAWA. 

Background and Allegations 

Additional allegations have surfaced against MAWA chairperson Joseph Gama Okollo, though none can be independently verified by this publication. 

Some community members alleged that Mr. Okollo previously had interactions with the National Security Service (NSS) in connection with the reported disappearance of several Ma’di youths in Juba between 2014 and 2018. Though this publication can independently verify this.  

Critics within the community further accuse Mr. Gama of using intimidation tactics against anyone who opposes his alleged plans regarding Ma’di communal land. Mr. Okollo has not publicly responded to these accusations. 

Separate allegations relating to an incident of domestic violence in 2023 against his now divorced wife have also been raised by some sources. These claims are backed with Facebook photos; however, Mr. Gama was never arrested by law enforcement authorities.  

Meanwhile, relatives of Secretary General Drichi Taban have expressed concern for his safety amid the ongoing dispute. Speaking to SSLN, family members warned that Mr. Okollo should be held accountable if any harm were to come to Drichi. They urged him to refrain from what they described as intimidation tactics and from involving state security organs in community disagreements. 

The relatives also appealed to Lopirigo Draru, a senior traditional authority, to urgently convene a meeting of elders and opinion leaders to de-escalate tensions and prevent the situation from deteriorating further. 

As of publication, there has been no official response from Mr. Okollo or the relevant authorities regarding these allegations. 

Andrew Olweny 

SSLN