Juba County Cracks Down on Illegal Land Grabbing and Unauthorized Demarcation

The Commissioner of Juba County, Samuel Emiliano Wani Pitia (Photo Credit: Alfadil Attiya Abuanja / File)

By: Alfadil Attiya Abuanja

Juba, South Sudan – Monday, 11 May 2026

The Commissioner of Juba County, Samuel Emiliano Wani Pitia, has issued a new local order suspending all illegal land-related activities across the county in an effort to curb growing cases of land grabbing and unlawful occupation.

Speaking from the Juba County Headquarters on Monday, 11 May 2026, the Commissioner announced Local Order No. 1/2026, which immediately bans unauthorized land demarcation, illegal allocation of plots, unlawful surveying, and forceful occupation of land in all parts of Juba County.

The order directs individuals, groups, brokers, and other unauthorized actors involved in illegal land dealings to stop their activities with immediate effect. Authorities say the move is aimed at restoring order in land administration and protecting communities affected by fraudulent land transactions and disputes.

Under the directive, anyone found violating the order will face legal action, including fines, imprisonment, cancellation of illegally obtained land documents, and prosecution in accordance with the laws governing land administration in the Republic of South Sudan.

Commissioner Wani Pitia also instructed security agencies, law enforcement bodies, Payam authorities, and local administrators to strictly enforce the order across all Payams and Bomas within Juba County.

The county administration said the decision comes amid increasing concerns over illegal land acquisition, double allocation of plots, and disputes that have contributed to insecurity and tensions among residents in and around Juba.

Officials believe the order will help strengthen lawful land management, improve accountability in land administration, and safeguard public and community property from exploitation by illegal land dealers.

Residents have been urged to cooperate with local authorities and report any suspicious or unlawful land activities to the relevant government offices and security institutions.