JUBA, June 18, 2026 — The Juba County Legislative Council has been officially inaugurated, with county leaders calling for urgent development and passage of local laws to address governance gaps affecting land management, cattle movement and forestry regulation.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, Juba County Commissioner Engineer Samuel Emiliano Wani said the county lacks clear policies in several key areas, which he said has affected governance and service delivery.

He called on the 36 councillors drawn from different political parties to work closely with the county administration to address the challenges.

“Sometimes in the county, we find that there are many issues that require legal action, but there are not enough laws to address them,” Emiliano said.

He cited gaps in building standards, land use, cattle movement and forest management. “We lack regulations on building standards, proper land usage, and management,” he said. “Additionally, there are no regulations for the movement of cattle or the management of our forests.”

Emiliano said cooperation between the county administration and the legislative council would strengthen service delivery and governance.

“That is why I believe that our cooperation with this office will benefit the people of Juba County,” he said.

He declared the council officially open. “Therefore, I, Honorable Engineer Samuel Emiliano, declare this house open,” he said.

Speaking at the same event, Dr. Daniel Jada Marcello, Chairperson of the Juba County Legislative Council, said the council must ensure legislative work translates into tangible public services.

He said priority should be given to roads, clean water, healthcare and education. “We have observed tribal influences in local commands,” Marcello said.

He pointed to insecurity and illegal settlements across several Payams, including Rajaf, Mangala, Liria and Lodu.

“These issues have led to loss of life, primarily in Rajaf,” he said.

Marcello said citizens continue to face urgent service delivery challenges. “These include the urgent need for better feeder roads, access to clean drinking water, improved healthcare, and enhanced educational facilities,” he said.

He said the council’s mandate is to deliver results. “We must turn our discussions into tangible, life-changing services for the people of Juba County,” he said.

Under Chapter 5, Section 25 of South Sudan’s Local Government Act of 2009, county legislative authorities are empowered to draft, debate and enact municipal by-laws.