South Sudan lawmakers' football team training at Dr. Biar Sports Complex ahead of the regional parliamentary games in Juba, December. | 1st September 2022. | Photo: Lou Nelson.

Speaker Jemma Nunu Kumba has revealed that South Sudan failed to participate in this year’s East Africa Parliamentary Games due to financial difficulties.

Speaking during the last sitting of 2024, Nunu explained that while the country had actively participated in the regional games since 2021, financial challenges prevented lawmakers from traveling to this year’s event.

She said while the administration managed to facilitate coaches for the lawmakers during their training period, the financial demands of traveling to the games were unaffordable.

The speaker noted that the situation has been different this year.

“This year, the TNL was not able to participate because of financial difficulties. So that’s why members did not travel. But the administration managed to provide, to facilitate the trainers for the periods they were in the training center,” she said.

“When it came to going there, which requires a lot of money, it was not possible because we had to deal with priorities.”

“Some members felt it was important to priorities medical than going for games and eventually nobody went because we know the difficulties we are facing.”

In December 11, parliament spokesperson Oliver Mori, confirmed that lawmakers were ready to travel to Mombasa but emphasized that their participation depended on the availability of funding.

South Sudan first participated in 2021 in Arusha, Tanzania, and went on to host the games in Juba in 2022, showcasing its commitment to fostering regional cooperation through sports.

The East Africa Parliamentary Games bring together lawmakers from across the region to compete in various sports, promoting unity and collaboration among member states.

Despite missing this year’s games, Speaker Kumba reaffirmed the commitment of the TNL to regional integration and expressed hope for future participation when financial circumstances improve.