Community sports tournaments in Juba have been allowed to resume after the Central Equatoria State Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports lifted a temporary suspension imposed earlier this month.
The decision, contained in Ministerial Order No. 08/2026 signed on Monday by Minister Bush Buse, allows organizers to complete their remaining matches but introduces tighter requirements on security, discipline and coordination with sports authorities.
Buse said the decision followed a stakeholders’ meeting held on August 21 involving national and state sports authorities, the National Youth and Sports Council, the CES Youth and Sports Registration Commission, the Office of the Vice President for Gender and Youth Cluster, the South Sudan National Olympic Committee, the South Sudan Football Federation and the Juba Football Association.
“The stakeholders recommended lifting Ministerial Order No. 07/2026, which had temporarily suspended community sports tournaments in Juba, subject to conditions aimed at ensuring security, discipline and proper coordination,” Buse said.
Under the new directive, tournament organizers must obtain prior approval from the CES Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and coordinate with the JFA and SSFF on technical support and tournament management.
The ministry has also ordered organizers to educate players, supporters and officials on sports regulations and acceptable conduct, while warning that misconduct, harassment or violence could lead to sanctions.
“Acts of misconduct, harassment or violence may result in sanctions, including the withdrawal of referees by the Juba Football Association,” the order stated, placing greater responsibility on organizers to maintain discipline throughout the competitions.
Security has also been tightened, with organizers required to deploy adequate security personnel and stewards at match venues. Firearms, knives, sticks and other weapons are strictly prohibited, while security checks must be conducted at all venues.
The ministry warned that failure to comply with the new requirements could result in disciplinary action, suspension, expulsion, legal consequences or termination of tournaments.
The order also sets September 10th, 2026, as the deadline for completing all outstanding matches to avoid clashes with the JFA league calendar.
“Matches extending beyond the deadline will require further authorization from the CES Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and the JFA,” the directives noted.
The ministry has further recommended that future community tournaments be scheduled between June and July to avoid clashes with competitions organized under the SSFF and JFA.
Meanwhile, organizers of the Bahr El Ghazal Counties’ Tournament must apologize to Munuki FC and the local community and address compensation for previous damages before resolving a dispute between Cueibet and Twic.
The order took effect immediately upon signature in Juba on August 24th, 2026.