Governor Rabi Mujung Emmanuel of Central Equatoria State - Photo credit: Central Equatoria State Governor's Press Unit

Central Equatoria State Governor Rabi Mujung Emmanuel has appealed to Juba residents to stop land grabbing and cooperate with authorities to restore order in land ownership.

Mujung made the remarks on Sunday while addressing worshippers at St. Joseph Catholic Parish.

Addressing congregants during Sunday Mass at St. Joseph Catholic Parish, Governor Mujung expressed concern over the rising cases of land grabbing in Juba and surrounding areas.

He said the practice, which he described as a new and troubling trend, is being fueled by individuals — including some local chiefs and security personnel — who defy the law and obstruct rightful land allocation.

“Land grabbing — this issue was not there before, but nowadays it is increasing,” Mujung said.

“Why are we not following the laws? Why are we encouraging illegal occupants?”

Mujung criticized individuals who hinder the government from showing plots to their legitimate owners, warning that such behavior undermines justice and service delivery.

“You obstruct the government not to show the plots to their rightful owners. Some of you are even obstructing the Minister of Housing from doing his work,” he said.

Mujung revealed that the state government has identified 13 residential areas intended for allocation to rightful owners but said progress has been slowed by illegal occupation and lack of cooperation.

He appealed for unity between the public and authorities to resolve the problem peacefully.

“We need cooperation and mutual understanding so that we can advance both your interests and those of the government,” he said.

The Governor emphasized that lasting solutions to land disputes can only be achieved through dialogue, law enforcement, and community participation.

Land grabbing has become a growing concern in Juba and other parts of South Sudan, often leading to tensions between communities, chiefs, and local officials.

Central Equatoria authorities say they are stepping up efforts to reclaim public and private land from illegal occupants while urging residents to respect the law and cooperate with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.