Hon. Paulino Lukudu Obede, Deputy Governor of Central Equatoria State - Courtesy

Central Equatoria government has directed the State Ministry of Physical Infrastructure, Land and Public Utility to immediately present demarcated plots to their rightful owners.

The directive followed a resolution of the state security committee meeting chaired by the deputy governor of the state Paulino Lokudu Obede on Tuesday.

Leone Abe, the state minister of Local Government and Law Enforcement, said in a press statement the beneficiaries are people who have land tittle deeds but were not been shown their plots.

“There are a number of people handling papers that are processed within the Ministry of Land and Public Utilities. We recommend that the minister has to take a necessary move to immediately implement showing to those who have the legal documents,” he said.

“The Security Committee recommended immediate implementation. If the government has given legal proof of paper, what not make a showing? So, we ask the Minister to do this with immediate effect.”

Over the years, land disputes have been one of the major causes of insecurity – often leading to violence between local communities and people seeking land in Juba and other parts of Central Equatoria State.

In January 14, 2025, traditional leaders west of Juba appealed to the state government to rescue them from “powerful individuals” seeking to deprive more than 4,000 people from accessing their rightful plots.

Khamis Emmanuel Gismala, Secretary of Korok-West Land Committee accused some powerful individuals including government officials of using their wealth and influence to exploit vulnerable civilians.