Continuity and Adaptation: Ruweng Leadership from the 19th Century to Post-Independence South SudanAbstractThis study explores the evolution of leadership among the Ruweng people of South Sudan, tracing its trajectory from the Turko-Egyptian era through British colonial administration and into the post-independence period. Using archival records and oral histories, the research examines how indigenous governance structures adapted to external pressures while maintaining cultural legitimacy. The findings challenge dominant narratives of colonial disruption, demonstrating that Ruweng leadership exemplifies resilience and offers lessons for inclusive governance in contemporary South Sudan.