JUBA – Central Equatoria cabinet approved a draft budget of 72.3 billion South Sudan Pounds on Monday for the 2025/2026 fiscal year, as the national budget is yet to be tabled.
The decision was reached during an extraordinary cabinet meeting at the State Secretariat, chaired by Governor Rabi Mujung Emmanuel.
Acting Minister of Information Hon. Jacob Aligo Lo-Lado told media the endorsement of the budget came following presentation of a memo about the draft budget by Hon. Salah Rajab Bunduki, the State Minister of Finance, Planning and Investment.
“The Cabinet has deliberated and passed the draft budget for the 2025/2026 fiscal year, estimated at SSP 72.3 billion. The approval also includes the draft tax rate schedules and the Appropriation Bill for the same period, with several amendments,” Hon. Aligo stated.
The budget draft now awaits to be taken to parliament for ratification.
In addition to the budget deliberations, the Council received a security briefing from the State Minister of Local Government and Law Enforcement Agency.
The briefing highlighted a recent attack by a holdout group on an SSPDF base in Bazi, Morobo County, on Sunday.
The acting information minister expressed concern over the “increasing threats posed by these elements” to the county’s security.
Pending national budget
In June 2025, the Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. Marial Dongrin Ater, proposed a budget of SSP 5.2 trillion for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, at the Economic Cluster for deliberation.
The budget focuses on strengthening agriculture and mining to generate more income, especially as oil production faces challenges due to conflict.
It outlines clear national priorities: strengthening agriculture and mining, ensuring timely payment of public servants’ salaries, and expanding humanitarian support to help vulnerable communities across the country.
