Community leaders, youth representatives, child rights advocates and nightclub operators in Yei River County have welcomed a new order banning children under 18 from entering nightclubs, discos and similar entertainment venues, saying the move could help curb drug abuse, crime and violence involving young people.
Yei River County Commissioner Samuel Henry Malimbo issued the order on Thursday as part of broader efforts to protect children from harmful environments and address rising concerns over drug abuse and youth delinquency.
“The directive is intended to shield children from environments that negatively affect their behaviour and development,” the commissioner’s office said.
Dominic Living Wawa, founder of Kikiji Orphanage Centre South Sudan, told Radio Tamazuj that the order followed last week’s destruction of confiscated narcotics by local authorities and reflected a stronger commitment to protecting children.
“We welcome this order. Last week we saw the destruction of illicit drugs, and now children have been barred from discos and nightclubs,” Wawa told Radio Tamazuj. “The important thing now is implementation so that we see a reduction in youth gangs and drug abuse in Yei.”
Yei River County Youth Association Chairperson Gaga Frank said easy access to nightclubs had contributed to declining school attendance and exposed children, particularly girls, to abuse.
“This is a positive step,” Frank said. “Many children have lost focus on their education because of discos, while girls face the risk of sexual violence. The order should be strictly enforced, and club owners who admit anyone under 18 should face penalties.”
Nightclub operators also expressed support for the directive, while urging security agencies to play a leading role in enforcing it.
Isaac Mamur, owner of Elite Night Club in Yei, said operators would comply with the order by requiring proof of age from patrons.
“We support the commissioner’s directive because it is meant to protect young people,” Mamur said. “Security personnel should continue screening people at the entrance, and anyone entering should be able to prove his or her age. We have always worked with security agencies during our events and will continue to do so.”
Modi Arkangelo, chairperson of the Yei County Civil Society Network, welcomed both the restrictions on minors and the county’s crackdown on illicit drugs, but said enforcement should extend beyond the town centre.
“These measures have been well received by the community,” Arkangelo said. “The authorities should ensure they are enforced not only in Yei town but also in rural areas, where drug abuse is equally prevalent. Nightclub owners and security personnel must work together to implement the order effectively.”
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