Central Equatoria Approves SSP 72.3 Billion Draft State Budget

(JUBA COUNTY) – The Council of Ministers of Central Equatoria State has approved a draft budget of 72.3 billion South Sudanese Pounds (approximately 15.7 million US Dollars) for the 2025 to 2026 financial year.

The endorsement was made during a special cabinet meeting on Monday at the State Secretariat in Juba, chaired by Governor Lt. Gen. Rabi Mujung Emmanuel.

Addressing the press after the session, Acting State Minister of Information and Communication, Hon. Jacob Aligo Lo-Lado, confirmed the cabinet had passed the draft budget after thorough discussions.

“The Cabinet has deliberated and passed the draft budget for the 2025/2026 fiscal year, estimated at 72.3 billion SSP. The approval also includes the draft tax rate schedules and the Appropriation Bill for the same period, with several amendments,” he said.

The proposed budget, alongside the amendments to the tax schedule and Appropriation Bill, will now be presented to the State Parliament for ratification.

The session also received a security report from the Minister of Local Government and Law Enforcement. The briefing centred on a recent security incident in Morobo County, where a holdout armed group reportedly attacked a base of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) in Bazi on Sunday.

The attack raised fresh concerns about the persistent threat posed by non signatory elements in the region. According to the minister, the security situation remains fragile and could affect stability in border areas if not addressed.

While the budget focuses on development and service delivery priorities in Central Equatoria, the issue of insecurity remains a key challenge for the state administration.

The draft is expected to be debated in the coming weeks by legislators in the Central Equatoria State Assembly. If passed, it will guide government operations and spending priorities through the fiscal year beginning July 2025.