CES cabinet passes Tourism Bill, condemns land grabbing and abductions

By Binia Elizabeth

The Council of Ministers of Central Equatoria State has passed the long-awaited Tourism and Hotel Management Bill (2025), aimed at regulating and promoting the state’s tourism sector. The bill was passed during the council’s weekly meeting chaired by Governor Rabi Mujung Emmanuel on Monday.

The legislation, tabled by Hon. Alex Lotiyu Elia, State Minister of Animal Resources, Fisheries and Tourism, seeks to establish standards for hotel operations and boost tourism infrastructure in the state. The bill was adopted with key amendments and will now move to the State Parliament for debate and final ratification.

The acting State minister of information and communication said that this marks a milestone in Central Equatoria’s journey towards becoming a leading tourism destination

In the same meeting, the cabinet raised alarm over escalating land grabbing in Lokwilili, Durupi, and parts of Joppa residential areas. Hon. Aligo revealed that some government officials have been implicated in the illegal occupation and sale of land.

The Council called on the National Land Committee to fast-track interventions aimed at formalizing land ownership, preventing illegal settlements, and holding perpetrators accountable.

“Land grabbing not only disrupts order but undermines community trust in governance,” Aligo stated, urging swift action.

Abductions

Meanwhile, the cabinet also condemned the recent abduction of 19 youths in Mundu Boma, Kupera Payam of Lainya County by holdout armed groups. The state government demanded their immediate and unconditional release, terming the incident a “heinous crime against civilians.”

In a related development, Governor Mujung and Hon. Rizik Zakaria, National Minister of Wildlife, Conservation and Tourism, on Wednesday met with community leaders from Tore Payam to resolve longstanding concerns over conservation efforts in Lantoto National Park.

The Tore Community, represented by Salah Aggrey, expressed dissatisfaction with the Ministry’s lack of consultation regarding park operations.

Despite reaffirming their support for wildlife protection, the community demanded greater inclusivity.

“We clarified that the Enjojo Foundation is working in alignment with our ministry,” said Peter Loro Alberto, Undersecretary in the Ministry.

“Communities will benefit economically and socially once tourism activities commence in full,” he added

Hon. Alex Lotiyu Elia praised the Tore community for its collaborative stance and assured that local grievances, including cross-border land demarcation issues with Western Equatoria, will be addressed.

Ali Hassan Juma, Chairperson of the Tore Community, said there is need to always consult with the community going forward.

Governor Mujung and Minister Zakaria reaffirmed their commitment to transparency, intergovernmental coordination, and ensuring host communities are central to conservation projects.

Lantoto National Park, located in Tore Payam of Yei River County and extending into Western Equatoria State, is rich in biodiversity and holds potential to become a flagship tourism site for South Sudan.