The Western Equatoria State Legislative Assembly on Wednesday handed two vital bills to Acting Governor Daniel Badagbu and praised his leadership in guiding the state without a formal budget and strengthening government systems.
The bills, the Government Policy Statement for 2024–2025, and the Constitutional Post Holders Emoluments and Privileges Bill were handed over at the State Secretariat in Yambio.
Government Chief Whip Isaac Juma Martin told reporters the documents had faced political hurdles in the past but were now ready to guide all ministries.
“For four years, we operated in instability. Now, we have a clear framework to direct government work and ensure accountability,” he said, noting that the Emoluments Act Amendment Bill was revised to meet public needs and uphold good governance.
For his part, Clement Gongi Liba, Chairperson of the Specialized Committee on Economic, Finance, and Investment in the state parliament, welcomed the policy statement, saying it will give ministers a structured plan to deliver services.
“Without it, government programs lacked coordination. This statement will be the roadmap for development,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mary Sungu Yoere, the chairperson of the House’s Information, Culture, Youth and Sports Committee, described the approval as “a milestone” that reflects the will of the people.
Deputy Chairperson for Legal Affairs Hon. Modir Martin Juma also confirmed the delivery of the Environment Act, aimed at protecting the state’s natural resources.
Receiving the bills, Acting Governor Badagbu said the Bills mark the beginning of a fully functioning government system in the state.
“We now hold daily cabinet meetings to improve services, have sent the 2024–2025 postmortem budget to the assembly, and are preparing the 2025–2026 fiscal budget,” he explained.
Badagbu added that reforms in public finance management and revenue laws would ensure better control over state funds and efficient service delivery.
Speaker Simon Peter Bandukuwe said the collaboration between the parliament and the executive was proof that Western Equatoria is moving towards stability through structured governance.