Western Equatoria Legislative Assembly: Six New Members Sworn, Boosting Governance

• Six new members were sworn into the Western Equatoria State Legislative Assembly in Yambio, South Sudan, on a recent Wednesday.
• These inductions follow presidential decrees by Salva Kiir, appointing a total of ten members from the SPLM-IO and SPLM parties.
• Four SPLM-IO appointees were absent from the ceremony and are expected to take their oath at a later date.
• New lawmakers pledged to advocate for vulnerable groups and work towards tax harmonization and business support.
• Officials emphasized the strengthening of the Assembly in line with the Revitalized Peace Agreement and urged unity among members ahead of the general elections scheduled for December 22, 2026.

The integration of these new Western Equatoria Legislative Assembly members is seen as a crucial development for the state’s governance.

On a recent Wednesday, six individuals officially joined the Western Equatoria State Legislative Assembly in Yambio, taking their oaths of office during a ceremony led by Deputy Speaker Simon Sebit Bandukuyosa. These new lawmakers represent a partial fulfillment of recent appointments to the legislative body. The Deputy Speaker used the occasion to impress upon the newly inducted members the importance of collaboration and unwavering commitment to their duties. He also stressed the necessity of engaging actively with their constituents and local communities, particularly as South Sudan prepares for the general elections scheduled for December 22, 2026. This event marks a significant step in reinforcing the legislative capacity of Western Equatoria State.

The induction of these members follows a series of presidential directives aimed at populating the state assembly. On March 9, 2026, President Salva Kiir issued a decree appointing eight members to the Western Equatoria State Legislative Assembly under the banner of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO). These appointees included Simon Sabah Abraham, Michael Zanaro Aborobisendeyo, Justin Evaristo Dazuborani, Nusuyoum Philip Ukafa, Grace Nasra Levi, Mary John Osman, Emmanuel Bande Philip, and Christo Wiropai. Later, on June 24, 2026, President Kiir made two additional appointments, Charles Gambori and Kusumba Charles Ambrose, this time representing the SPLM Party. Despite these ten appointments, only six individuals were sworn in during the recent sitting: four from the SPLM-IO and two from the SPLM. The remaining four SPLM-IO appointees were absent and are expected to complete their oath-taking at a subsequent session once they report to the Assembly.

The integration of these new Western Equatoria Legislative Assembly members is seen as a crucial development for the state’s governance. Mudir Ngorowu Martin, who chairs the Assembly’s Information, Communication, Youth, Culture and Sports Committee, highlighted that the swearing-in process bolsters the Assembly's strength, enabling it to effectively carry out its constitutional and legislative duties in alignment with the Revitalized Peace Agreement. Martin extended a welcome to the new lawmakers and confirmed that those who could not attend would have another opportunity to take their oath. The newly sworn-in members have already articulated their priorities. Mary John Osman, representing Mvolo County, committed to advocating for vulnerable and marginalized populations, specifically mentioning residents of Yere Payam. She pledged to maintain close contact with her constituents to understand their challenges and elevate their concerns to the state level, with a particular focus on women, persons with disabilities, and other often-overlooked groups. Similarly, Kusumba Charles Ambrose, whose appointment was influenced by Yambio County's business community, vowed to represent their interests. He plans to collaborate with traders, the State Assembly, and the government to tackle business-related issues, prioritizing the harmonization of taxes and the elimination of unnecessary fees impacting enterprises.

In light of these new appointments and the broader political landscape, calls for unity and cooperation were prominent. John Obote, the Western Equatoria State Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, urged the newly sworn-in South Sudan Western Equatoria lawmakers to set aside political differences and prioritize the welfare of the populace. Acknowledging the inherent difficulties faced by legislators, Minister Obote encouraged them to foster collaboration as they return to their respective constituencies. He also alluded to the electoral period leading up to the general elections scheduled for December 22, 2026, expressing his hope that the current members would successfully navigate the political process and return to their legislative roles. The minister concluded his remarks by reiterating the paramount importance of collective effort and maintaining the interests of the people of Western Equatoria State at the forefront of their responsibilities.

Lawyers and compliance officers should note the strengthening of the Western Equatoria Legislative Assembly, as this indicates progress in implementing the Revitalized Peace Agreement and may lead to new legislative initiatives. Specifically, the stated priorities of new members, such as tax harmonization and advocacy for vulnerable groups, could influence future laws and regulations impacting businesses and community engagement in the region.

Source: Original reporting.