A three-month recess after a high-stakes session
The Transitional Western Equatoria State Legislative Assembly adjourned on Wednesday for a three-month recess after passing critical legislation, including the 2025–2026 state budget. The sitting also amplified public messages on peace, unity and reconciliation across the state.
Speaker’s Order sets dates and legal basis
The recess runs from 28 January to 26 April 2026. Speaker’s Order No. 1/2026 was issued by the Right Honourable Ann Tuna Richard under Article 64(3) of the Transitional Constitution of Western Equatoria State (2011, amended 2015) and Regulation 9(4) of the Conduct of Business Regulations (2012, amended 2022).
Budget and Emolument Act among key outcomes
Speaking in Yambio, Hon. Mboriundoko Joseph, Deputy Chairperson of the Committee on Culture and Information, called the adjournment a “historic moment” and underscored the legislative workload completed.
“Among the most important achievements is the passage of the 2025–2026 Fiscal Year Budget, which is a key instrument for government operations and service delivery,” Hon. Mboriundoko said.
He added that lawmakers also passed the Emolument Act for Constitutional Post holders, alongside resolutions focused on governance, accountability and public welfare, which now await Executive implementation.
Implementation becomes the core governance test
Hon. Mboriundoko said Speaker Ann Tuna Richard framed implementation as the decisive measure of institutional performance, beyond debating and voting.
“The Speaker was very clear that good governance depends on implementation. Resolutions passed by the House must translate into real action that improves the lives of our people,” he said.
Recess aims at constituency outreach and election preparedness
In the order declaring the break, Speaker Ann Tuna Richard said the recess is designed for lawmakers to return to their constituencies and engage citizens, including on peace and the general elections scheduled for December 2026.
“I… do hereby declare a recess for a period of three months with effect from Wednesday 28 January to Monday 26 April 2026,” the order states. The Assembly is expected to resume on Monday, 26 April 2026.
Peace, unity and reconciliation messages to communities
Hon. Mboriundoko said the House tasked Members to champion peace, unity and reconciliation during the recess, presenting the outreach as central to stability.
“We must go back to our communities and talk about peace and reconciliation so that we can have permanent peace in our state,” he said.
He noted Western Equatoria has been relatively calm compared to other regions, while cautioning that local tensions and conflicts can still undermine social cohesion without dialogue.
Public pressure: salaries, services and cost of living
On delayed salaries for civil servants, Hon. Mboriundoko said the issue is national in scope and maintained that government is working to address it as resources allow.
“Salary delays are not unique to Western Equatoria State; it is a national issue. But the government is working tirelessly to ensure that once funds are available, our civil servants receive their salaries,” he said.
His comments came amid concerns about rising living costs and limited access to basic services, including water, health care and education.
Assembly stance on Ambororo herders sparks debate
Hon. Mboriundoko said one of the strongest positions taken during the session related to the presence of Ambororo nomadic herders in Western Equatoria State. He said the Assembly unanimously rejected their presence, citing environmental damage and risks to livelihoods.
“We do not want the presence of Ambororo in our state because they are destroying crops, forests, and beekeeping areas,” he said.
He added that some communities struggle to access forests for farming, fishing and honey harvesting due to insecurity, urging the State Government to act to protect citizens and natural resources.
Acting Governor calls for unity and stronger follow-up
WES Acting Governor Elia Richard Box also addressed the closure, appealing for unity, forgiveness and shared responsibility between institutions.
“Unity, love, forgiveness, and reconciliation,” he said, should guide leaders so citizens can see “a functioning government — both the Executive and the Legislative working together in harmony.”
He acknowledged service-delivery hardships and argued that the main gap is follow-through. “Our problem… is poor implementation and weak follow-up,” he said, warning that unfinished implementation leaves legislative work incomplete.
April 2026 return expected to test community engagement
Acting Governor Box apologized for delays in the Assembly’s closure, citing prevailing circumstances, and said concerns raised would be conveyed to the Governor on his return from Juba.
Reiterating that peace should remain the top priority, he said unity can help address challenges in counties including Nagero, Tombura and Mundri East.
As lawmakers return to constituencies, the recess is widely seen as a window for deeper citizen listening and practical follow-up, before sittings resume in April 2026.