WTI Alumni Changemaker: Robert Lokundu
Robert during a television interview on the topic of land governance in Juba with SSBC (South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation).
From WTI scholar to legal, civic and community leader in South Sudan
WTI alumni Robert Lokundu has built a career spanning law, constitutional development, public service, sport, humanitarian work and education. Since completing his studies in Criminal Justice and Human Rights at the University of Aberdeen in 2003, Robert has held a series of leadership roles and contributed to major moments in South Sudan's development.
Meet the changemaker
Name: Robert Lokundu
Country: South Sudan
Studied: Master’s in Criminal Justice and Human Rights at University of Aberdeen
Current work: Law, public service, community development and education
Hi Robert! Can you tell us about your journey since completing your postgraduate studies?
I am a graduate of the School of Law, King's College, University of Aberdeen in Scotland. I majored in Criminal Justice and Human Rights in 2002-2003.
After graduation I got a job with the Sudan Catholic Bishops Regional Conference (SCBRC) as a Coordinator based in Nairobi and coordinating with the dioceses in the areas controlled by the Government of the then Southern Sudan.
How did your career develop, and what role did you play in South Sudan’s constitutional development?
After the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in 2005, I was appointed a member of the National Constitutional Review Commission and joined the group that drafted the Transitional Constitution of the Sudan, 2005.
I was also appointed to the Committee that drafted the Constitution of the Government of Southern Sudan, 2005, and model constitution of the states of Southern Sudan.
In 2006, I was appointed the Chairperson of the Southern Sudan Land Commission, a position that I continued to hold until after the secession of South Sudan.
What other leadership roles have you held?
I was also elected president of the South Sudan Basketball Federation, a position that I held for more than ten years (2009-2021).
I was privileged to have the National Basketball Team registered in FIBA. Their achievement regionally and internationally was laid down during this period.
I have also been elected to Congress of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) since 2010 to date.
Robert with players from the Olympic All Stars basketball team.
Alongside your work in law, governance and sport, what other ways has your career led you to support humanitarian work and your community?
I'm contributing on humanitarian organisation of People Living with HIV/AIDS as the Chairman of the Board of Directors.
I have also helped lecturing in the College of Law in the University of Juba, South Sudan.