Kalisto issues written order banning coffin displays outside shops, witchcraft activities

 The caretaker commissioner of Juba County, Kalisto Lado Faustino Wani, has issued a written order banning the display of coffins outside shops and the practice of witchcraft activities in the county, formalising measures he had previously announced verbally.

The directive, designated Local Order No. 12/2026 and dated 27 October, prohibits coffin dealers from displaying coffins in front of their shops and bans witchcraft activities across Juba County.

The order states that it “shall come into force on the date of its signature.”

Under the penalties outlined in the document, anyone found violating the order could face an administrative fine of at least 3.5 million South Sudanese pounds, confiscation of items, or arrest and prosecution by a competent court.

The directive also introduces restrictions on street vending and business structures along streets and in market areas. It states that vendors are not allowed to operate businesses along streets and bridges in Juba County, warning that violations could lead to confiscation of goods or fines of at least 2.5 million SSP.

Business structures along streets and in market areas are required to meet specified standards within one month. Failure to comply could attract administrative fines of at least 3.5 million SSP.

The order assigns responsibility for enforcement to the county’s executive director, payam directors, legal administration, security personnel, the business community and the public.

The written directive follows the commissioner’s earlier verbal announcement of the measures and provides a formal basis for their implementation.

However, the document does not provide further details on how witchcraft activities will be defined or identified for enforcement.