A court in Yambio, Western Equatoria State, has sentenced a pastor and a traditional sub-chief to prison for violating community regulations banning music and other activities during funeral ceremonies.
The C Court sentenced Pastor Anthony, who leads St. Martin Nabagu Parish, to eight months in prison for allowing music to be played during a funeral, in violation of Article 17 of regulations jointly established by the Church, the Western Equatoria State Government and the Azande Kingdom.
In a separate ruling, the court sentenced Ueko Badri, sub-chief of Akorogbodi 2, to four months in prison for failing to enforce the regulations in his area of jurisdiction. He was also suspended from his duties for two months.
Aniye Michael, Payam Chief and Deputy Paramount Chief of the C Court, told the media on Thursday that the two leaders had violated regulations they were expected to uphold and enforce.
“The law started with the Church and local leaders. It is not acceptable for the same people who came out with the law to be the ones violating it,” Aniye said.
He said the regulations applied to everyone, regardless of their position or leadership responsibilities.
Lotto Anibiapai Enoka, a minister in the Azande Kingdom, said the regulations were agreed upon at a meeting on September 5, 2026, involving the Kingdom, church leaders and the state government.
The meeting decided to ban sound systems, music, dancing and drinking during funerals following concerns that the ceremonies were increasingly becoming entertainment events, he said.
Enoka said the sentencing of the two leaders demonstrated that nobody was above the regulations.
“We all agreed that neither the government, the Church nor the Kingdom should be above the law. Anyone who violates these regulations will be arrested. It is a crime and a shame,” he said.
Sebit Angelo Obebe, Prime Minister for Other Tribes in the Azande Kingdom, said the regulations were introduced after concerns that people were travelling between communities to attend funerals where music and dancing took place.
He said the restrictions applied across the Kingdom’s 64 tribes and warned residents against bringing sound systems to funeral gatherings.
Angelo urged communities to comply with the regulations, warning that violations could result in arrest and imprisonment.
Pastor Anthony’s violation reportedly occurred during the funeral of a pastor who died last week. Badri was sentenced for failing to ensure compliance within his jurisdiction.
The regulations are part of a joint initiative by the Church, the Western Equatoria State Government and the Azande Kingdom aimed at promoting dignity and respect during funeral ceremonies.
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