Morobo County Passes First Post Peace Budget

(MOROBO COUNTY) – Authorities in Morobo County, Central Equatoria State, have approved a major budget for the 2025 to 2026 financial year, marking an important step in local governance since the 2018 revitalised peace agreement in South Sudan.

The Executive Director of Morobo County, Gale Ezibon Simon, confirmed that the county council passed a budget worth 14,028,703,401 South Sudanese Pounds. At the current market rate, this is equal to about 1,975,874 United States Dollars. The decision was taken during an Executive Council meeting held on Saturday, 13 December 2025, at the county headquarters.

Mr Simon said the spending plan is aimed at addressing long standing challenges faced by the county:

“Our core priorities for this budget encompass security stabilisation, fostering peace through development, facilitating the resettlement and reintegration of returnees and internally displaced persons, providing essential services to our populace, and enhancing agricultural output.”

According to the county administration, security and peace building are expected to create a safer environment for communities that were affected by years of conflict and displacement. Local officials believe this will also support farming activities and help families rebuild their livelihoods.

Mr Simon explained that the budget will be financed through a mix of funding sources. He said the money will come from grant transfers from the state and national governments, locally generated revenues and taxes, and contributions from development partners working in the area.

He stressed that meeting the budget needs will require shared responsibility.

“Funding this budget is a collective responsibility,” Mr Simon said, adding that it will depend on tax contributions from residents as well as “active engagement in securing support from development partners”.

The approval of the budget is seen as a milestone for Morobo County. It is the first formal county budget adopted since the signing of the 2018 revitalised peace agreement, which led to the formation of South Sudan’s Transitional Government of National Unity.

Local leaders have often raised concerns about insecurity, weak service delivery and limited support for returnees and displaced people. County officials say the new budget provides an opportunity to respond to these concerns, although its success will depend on the timely release of funds and effective implementation.

The county administration said it plans to engage communities as the budget is rolled out in the new financial year, with the aim of ensuring transparency and local participation.

Budget summary