The Western Equatoria State Transitional Legislative Assembly entered a new era on Tuesday as Rt. Hon. Ann Tuna Richard was officially sworn in as Speaker, taking over from Rt. Hon. Wakila Charles Abdu Ngamunde, who has been widely praised for her tireless service and leadership.
In the same note six other members of parliament also took the oath of office in a colorful ceremony that ended with jubilation in the August House.
The swearing-in was presided over by the State Governor Barrister James Al-Taib Berapai, who lauded President Salva Kiir Mayardit for entrusting the position to Tuna, describing her appointment as a “fulfillment of the will of the people of Western Equatoria State” as stipulated in the transitional constitution.
“Our government’s primary duties remain the protection of peace and security, promotion of good governance, fighting corruption, and fostering reconstruction and development. These responsibilities will be pursued strictly under the rule of law, not the rule of man,” Governor Berapai emphasized, citing Articles 52 and 53 of the Transitional Constitution of Western Equatoria State 2011 (as amended).
The outgoing Speaker, Rt. Hon. Wakila Charles Abdu Ngamunde, was acknowledged for her remarkable achievements during her tenure.
Under her leadership, the assembly strengthened its legislative oversight, passed key state bills, and provided a platform for dialogue between political actors and communities at a time when Western Equatoria was recovering from years of instability.
Tuna paid tribute to her predecessor, saying Wakila had “laid a solid foundation of accountability and inclusivity,” which she pledged to build upon.
Rt. Hon. Tuna Richard is no stranger to leadership. Before her appointment as Speaker, she served as State Minister of Roads, Transport and Bridges, where she was credited with spearheading initiatives to rehabilitate feeder roads that boosted trade and improved access to rural communities.
Her transition from the executive to the legislative arm of government reflects what observers describe as her growing influence in Western Equatoria politics.
“I pledge to work hand in hand with all members to strengthen this assembly and deliver on the expectations of our people. I urge those members who are still absent to urgently join us so that we can discharge our constitutional responsibilities together,” Tuna said in her acceptance speech.
Despite the optimism surrounding her swearing-in, significant challenges lie ahead.
The Western Equatoria State Assembly continues to grapple with limited resources, poor infrastructure for legislative work, and political divisions that have slowed down lawmaking processes.
Analysts say the assembly must also address pressing issues such as insecurity in some counties, budget transparency, and oversight of service delivery, especially in health, education, and agriculture.
The new Speaker’s ability to foster cooperation among lawmakers, balance competing political interests, and maintain constructive relations with the executive will be critical in determining the assembly’s effectiveness.
As the ceremony ended in jubilation, many citizens expressed hope that Speaker Tuna’s experience, coupled with her call for unity, would give the state legislature a new sense of direction.
For Western Equatoria, her leadership marks both continuity and change building on the achievements of Wakila Charles while confronting the urgent challenges that stand before the August House.
