Kapoeta

Kapoeta is a town in South Sudan, located in the eastern part of the country in the Eastern Equatoria region, near the border with Kenya. It serves as an administrative and commercial center for the surrounding area and is the largest town in its vicinity. The town lies on a low-lying plateau within a semi-arid savanna landscape.

The climate is hot and dry for most of the year, with a seasonal wet period that supports limited agriculture along seasonal rivers. The local economy is mainly based on livestock herding, especially cattle, goats, and sheep, supplemented by trade and small-scale farming where rainfall allows. The population includes pastoralist communities such as the Toposa and other local groups who depend on mobility and seasonal grazing for livelihoods.

Historically, Kapoeta and its surrounding area have faced displacement and insecurity linked to regional conflicts and inter-communal tensions, particularly during South Sudan’s civil conflicts. Since independence in 2011, aid organizations and development programs have worked to support health, education, and livelihoods, though access can be affected by security and infrastructure limitations.

Education and services in Kapoeta include primary and secondary schools and basic healthcare facilities, along with markets and transport links that connect the town with major towns in Eastern Equatoria. The town functions as a hub for the Kapoeta area and plays a role in cross-border trade and pastoralist activities in southeastern South Sudan.