A group of six newly appointed members of the Western Equatoria State Legislative Assembly was sworn into office on Wednesday in Yambio during a ceremony presided over by Deputy Speaker Simon Sebit Bandukuyosa.
The Deputy Speaker urged the new lawmakers to work together, remain committed to their responsibilities and reach out to their respective constituencies and communities, particularly as the country prepares for elections.
In a decree dated March 9, 2026, President Salva Kiir appointed eight members to the Western Equatoria State Legislative Assembly under the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO). Those appointed were Simon Sabah Abraham, Michael Zanaro Aborobisendeyo, Justin Evaristo Dazuborani, Nusuyoum Philip Ukafa, Grace Nasra Levi, Mary John Osman, Emmanuel Bande Philip, and Christo Wiropai, all on the SPLM-IO ticket.
On June 24, 2026, President Kiir appointed two additional members, Charles Gambori and Kusumba Charles Ambrose, under the SPLM Party ticket.
During Wednesday’s sitting, however, only six of the appointed members took their oath of office. Four were from the SPLM-IO, while two were from the SPLM Party. The remaining four SPLM-IO appointees were absent and are expected to be sworn in during a future sitting after reporting to the Assembly.
Mudir Ngorowu Martin, Chairperson of the Assembly’s Information, Communication, Youth, Culture and Sports Committee, said the swearing-in strengthens the Assembly and enables it to continue carrying out its legislative responsibilities in line with the Constitution and the Revitalized Peace Agreement.
He welcomed the new lawmakers and said those who were absent would have an opportunity to take the oath at a later sitting.
One of the newly sworn-in lawmakers, Mary John Osman, representing Mvolo County, pledged to use her position to amplify the voices of vulnerable and marginalized people.
Osman said she would remain close to her constituents, particularly residents of Yere Payam, to understand their challenges and raise their concerns at the state level. She also pledged to advocate for vulnerable women, persons with disabilities, and other groups whose voices are often not heard.
“I will speak for the voice of the voiceless in my constituency, Mvolo County, particularly the people of Yere Payam,” she said. “I will remain close to the community to understand their challenges and raise their voices here at the state level.”
Another newly sworn-in lawmaker, Kusumba Charles Ambrose, said his appointment was influenced by the business community of Yambio County, which he said wanted him to represent its interests in the legislature. He pledged to work with traders, the State Assembly and the government to address challenges affecting businesses.
He said one of his priorities would be to advocate for the harmonization of taxes and the removal of unnecessary fees imposed on businesses.
Meanwhile, Western Equatoria State Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, John Obote, urged the newly sworn-in lawmakers to remain united and put the interests of the people above political differences.
The minister acknowledged the challenges facing lawmakers but encouraged them to work together and maintain cooperation as they return to their respective constituencies.
“Soon we are going to the election, and I hope that all of you are going to your different constituencies and plan how to come back,” he said. “I wish you all success. After the election, I want to see you once again back here.”
The minister concluded by urging the lawmakers to work together and keep the interests of the people of Western Equatoria State at the center of their responsibilities.
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