(JUBA) – The Government of Central Equatoria State has endorsed a new Tourism and Hotel Management Bill designed to boost the travel and hospitality industry in South Sudan. The decision was made during the weekly Council of Ministers meeting held on Thursday in Juba, chaired by Governor Lt. Gen. Rabi Mujung Emmanuel.
The bill was introduced by State Minister of Animal Resources, Fisheries and Tourism, Hon. Alex Lotiyu Elia, as a key step in formalising and regulating the tourism sector. Acting State Minister of Information and Communication, Hon. Jacob Aligo Lo-Lado, said the legislation was approved with amendments and will now proceed to the State Parliament for debate and final ratification.
Officials say the new bill is expected to provide a framework for managing hotels, guiding investment, and attracting visitors. It aims to promote Central Equatoria as a hub for tourism, from wildlife and cultural attractions to conference and leisure travel by setting standards for service and safety,
Despite this progress, the Council also raised concerns over widespread land grabbing in areas such as Lokwilili, Durupi and Joppa. Hon. Aligo confirmed that some government officials have been implicated in unlawful land occupations, warning that unchecked disputes could hinder urban planning and investment in the hospitality industry. The cabinet urged the National Land Committee to speed up efforts to address informal settlements and to provide permanent solutions.
Security concerns were also at the centre of discussion. The state government strongly condemned the reported abduction of 19 young people in Mundu Boma, Kupera Payam, Lainya County. The incident, linked to armed holdout groups, has raised fresh questions about the impact of insecurity on tourism and development. Authorities called for the immediate and unconditional release of those abducted.
Tourism is viewed as a sector that could diversify Central Equatoria’s economy beyond agriculture and livestock, which remain dominant sources of income. If properly developed, it could generate both foreign exchange and local employment.
The approval of the Tourism and Hotel Management Bill is a milestone, but its success will depend on creating an environment where investors and visitors feel secure. Land ownership disputes and localised insecurity, such as the recent abductions in Morobo and Lainya County, remain among the greatest obstacles to tourism growth.
For Central Equatoria where Juba serves as both the capital and the main entry point for international visitors, stability will be crucial to turning legislation into economic opportunity.