No more community tournaments in Juba until further notice – official order
The Central Equatoria State government has suspended community sports tournaments in Juba indefinitely following recent violence at Munuki Playground and a firearm-related intimidation incident at Buluk Playground.
The suspension was announced in a Ministerial Order signed by the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Bush Buse, and issued yesterday.
The order cites recent violent incidents, including clashes at Munuki Playground that resulted in injuries and an intimidation incident at Buluk Playground involving a firearm.
According to the ministry, the incidents have raised concerns over public safety and undermined the peaceful image and social cohesion promoted through sports.
The ministry said the suspension will remain in place pending investigations and a comprehensive administrative review of community sports activities in Juba.
However, the order excludes leagues and tournaments organized under the Juba Football Association, the South Sudan Football Federation, legally recognized sports bodies, sports academies, school tournaments and registered clubs.
The ministry has also prohibited sports associations and clubs from approving playgrounds for community sports tournaments in Juba during the suspension period.
Under the order, community sports associations and their teams must register with the Central Equatoria State Youth and Sports Registration Commission before receiving authorization to organize tournaments.
The ministry said the registration requirement is intended to strengthen coordination, regulation and accountability in grassroots sports activities.
Security agencies, including the State National Security Directorate, State Police and the Central Security Division, have been directed to enforce the order and safeguard public safety.
The ministry warned that those who violate the order could face administrative sanctions, including suspension or revocation of access to sports facilities, as well as possible legal action under applicable sports and land use laws.
Minister Bush Buse said the order is aimed at upholding the safety, legality and integrity of sports activities in Juba and across Central Equatoria State.
