Underage Children Crowd Yei Nightclub Despite County Ban

(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – Concerns have been raised over the enforcement of a recent county directive after large numbers of teenagers reportedly attended an Independence Day celebration at an entertainment venue in Yei River County, despite a standing ban on underage entry into clubs and discos.

The event held at an elite nightclub and event centre in Yei on Thursday, 9 July, attracted hundreds of music fans celebrating South Sudan’s 15th Independence Anniversary. However, eyewitness accounts indicate that many of those entering the venue appeared to be under the age of 18.

According to observations by The Borderlines reporter who attended the night Disco, the venue was overcrowded throughout the evening, creating congestion both inside the club and at the main entrance. The large turnout reportedly led to traffic disruptions and raised concerns about crowd management and public safety.

The development comes only days after Yei River County Commissioner Samuel Henry Malimbo issued Local Order No. 7/2026, which prohibits children under the age of 18 from entering clubs, discos and sports clubs across the county.

The order, which took effect on 2 July 2026, was introduced as part of broader efforts to protect school-going children from dropping out of school, reduce gang-related activities, and curb alcohol, drug and substance abuse among minors.

County authorities said the directive is also intended to address criminal activities and what it describes as immoral behaviour associated with entertainment venues frequented by underage children.

Under the regulations, owners of clubs, discos and sports centres found admitting children below the age of 18 face penalties including a fine of not less than 1 million South Sudanese Pounds (SSP) or imprisonment for up to three months. The order further warns that operating licences may be revoked for repeated violations.

The directive also outlines sanctions for minors found in violation of the order, including fines of not less than 500,000 SSP per child and possible imprisonment of up to three months.

To ensure compliance, Commissioner Malimbo directed the Inspector of Police, the National Security Service (NSS), the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and Payam authorities across Yei River County to immediately enforce the order.

The reported presence of large numbers of underage revellers at Thursday’s Independence Day celebrations has sparked fresh public debate about enforcement of the county’s regulations and the responsibility of entertainment venue operators to protect children.

Community members and child protection advocates have repeatedly called for stricter monitoring of entertainment venues, stressing that safeguarding young people requires cooperation between parents, business owners and law enforcement agencies.

As authorities continue to implement the directive, residents are expected to watch closely to see whether measures will be taken against venues found to have violated the county order.