State Moves Against Hotel Revenue Infringement

(JUBA) – The Government of Central Equatoria State on 2nd February 2026 announced the formation of two committees to investigate revenue infringement and illegal logging in Kajo Keji and Lainya counties.

The decision came during a special Council of Ministers meeting chaired by Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony.

The move follows a memo from the State Minister of Animal Resources, Fisheries and Tourism, Alex Lotiyu, reporting continued violation of the State’s hotel revenue collection rights by the National Ministry of Wildlife Conservation and Tourism.

The council noted that such violations breach Article 179 of the Transitional Constitution of South Sudan (2011), which grants State Governments the authority to collect revenues within their jurisdiction.

While reaffirming cooperation with national institutions, the council stressed the need to protect the State’s constitutional rights.

The meeting directed the State Ministers of Animal Resources, Fisheries and Tourism, and Finance, Planning and Investment, to fully exercise their mandate to manage and collect hotel revenue.

A committee led by the Deputy Governor will oversee revenue encroachment issues and strengthen coordination between government agencies. Hotels within the State are instructed to comply with the State’s constitutional revenue collection rights.

The council also reviewed a memo from the State Minister of Agriculture, Environment, and Forestry, Lily Kapuki Jurkin, regarding illegal logging in Kajo-Keji and Lainya counties.

Following deliberations, the State Government banned all illegal logging with immediate effect.

A committee led by the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Forestry, together with the Minister of Finance, Planning and Investment, will investigate the volume of timber on the ground and recommend further actions.