WES assembly registers low attendance amid persistent absenteeism
The latest figures come less than a month after a report on July 29, 2025 highlighted widespread absenteeism in the Assembly, when 62 members signed in and 38 were absent without notice
By Emmanuel Mandella
Western Equatoria State Transitional Legislative Assembly, Rt. Hon. Simon Peter Bandukuwe, has raised concerns over the growing tendency of lawmakers missing sessions in the state assembly.
He revealed that just 54 out of 100 lawmakers attended Monday’s sitting, raising renewed concerns over chronic absenteeism despite earlier warnings.
Delivering his opening remarks during the Assembly’s 12th sitting on August 25, Bandukuwe said that among the 54 members present, two were on official duty, and seven were unwell. On the other hand, one member requested for a formal permission, six are not sworn in, two are deceased while 28 were absent without explanation
“This is the second time we convene while still uncertain about the state of our security… but let me proceed directly to the attendance,” the Speaker said, before calling out the numbers.
The latest figures come less than a month after a report on July 29, 2025 highlighted widespread absenteeism in the Assembly, when 62 members signed in and 38 were absent without notice.
At the time, Speaker Bandukuwe condemned the no-shows as “weakening the credibility of the House” and warned that members who repeatedly miss sittings without reason could face penalties, including the suspension of benefits.
While the total number of attendants dropped from 62 in July to 54 in August, the number of unexplained absentees has reduced slightly, from 38 last month to 28 this week. Lawmakers say the improvement, though minimal, shows that pressure from leadership and public criticism is beginning to yield results but the overall turnout is disappointing.
Political observers warn that persistent absenteeism undermines the Assembly’s ability to carry out its constitutional mandate, particularly at a time when communities are facing insecurity, economic hardship, and disputes such as the controversial examination fee increment.
Monday’s sitting had been scheduled to summon the Director-General of the State Ministry of Education to explain the contentious exam fees for 2025, which parents and legislators have opposed as unlawful.
But with nearly a third of the Assembly missing, questions remain over the House’s seriousness in tackling urgent state matters.
As public trust at stake, civil society voices argue that the continued absenteeism damages public confidence. “When lawmakers are absent, they silence the people they represent,” one activist told a local Yambio-based media outlet.
For now, the Speaker has urged members to prioritize attendance, stressing that the credibility of the Assembly depends on their presence and participation.
