State Government Targets Illegal Plot Sales in Juba County

(JUBA COUNTY) – Senior officials of Central Equatoria State used memorial prayers in Juba to restate the state government’s position on land reform, cultural values and local administration.

The event was held on Friday 13 February 2026 in honour of the late Mama Marcelina Keji Alberto. Leaders said the gathering also offered an opportunity to address public concerns over land management in Juba County.

Speaking on behalf of the state government, Hon David Morbe Aquillino, Minister of Housing, Land and Public Utilities in Central Equatoria State, explained the purpose of the recent Ministerial Order on Land Management. The order followed public concern over ongoing land showing and demarcation in parts of Juba County.

The minister said the order does not remove citizens’ land rights. He said its aim is to reorganise land administration and restore order in Juba County and across the state.

He said the directive bans all new planning and land demarcation that is not approved by the Ministry of Housing, Land and Public Utilities. He added that land showing will only proceed in areas that have already been officially demarcated by the ministry.

Hon Aquillino said the government has found cases where individuals carry arms, demarcate land by force and sell plots illegally. He said this includes changing place names and taking land without legal authority. He warned that such actions will not be accepted.

He said the state government remains committed to addressing land grabbing and restoring order in the land administration system. Land disputes remain a sensitive issue in Juba and other growing urban areas of South Sudan, where demand for plots has increased in recent years.

Hon Rose Lisok, Chairperson of the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission in Central Equatoria State, called on women to protect cultural values. She said women play a key role in preserving discipline, unity and traditions passed down through families.

She urged communities to follow the example and values associated with the life of Mama Marcelina Keji Alberto, saying such values are important for social stability in South Sudan.

Hon Emmanuel Tete Ezbon, Commissioner of Juba County, said local governance requires courage, especially when dealing with land matters. He said the county is working closely with the Ministry of Housing, Land and Public Utilities.

The commissioner said the county has launched the opening of roads and land showing in some residential areas of Juba County in line with ministry guidance. He said efforts to resolve land issues are sometimes met with misinformation but assured residents that authorities remain focused on lawful solutions.

He said the county will work to ensure that plots are shown to their rightful owners under clear procedures.

The memorial prayers were attended by several senior officials, including Hon Cirsio Legge Zachariah, State Minister of General Education and Instruction, along with state and county administrators, traditional leaders and many mourners.