Juba County to slap dealers SSP 3.5 million fine for coffins displayed outside shops

Caretaker County Commissioner Moulana Kalisto Lado issues order prohibiting coffin dealers from displaying coffins in front of their shops, also bans activities associated with witchcraft across the County

By The City Review

Hon. Moulana Kalisto Lado, caretaker Commisisoner, Juba County. [Photo: Courtesy]

Juba County Caretaker Commissioner Moulana Kalisto Lado has formalized a ban on displaying coffins outside shops, warning that violators could face administrative fines of at least SSP 3.5 million, confiscation of items or arrest and prosecution.

The restriction is contained in Local Order No. 12/2026, signed on October 27, which prohibits coffin dealers from displaying coffins in front of their shops and also bans activities described in the document as witchcraft across Juba County.

The order, which takes effect immediately, mandated enforcement responsibilities to the county executive director, Payam directors, legal administration, security agencies, the business community and the public.

The new directive formalizes a warning Lado issued earlier this month during an interview with Eye Radio, where he argued that displaying coffins along roadsides is inconsistent with South Sudanese cultural values.

“In our culture as South Sudanese, you don’t make exhibition of coffins,” Lado told the station, adding that displaying them publicly was like wishing people death.

During that interview, the commissioner instructed coffin sellers to keep their products inside their shops and suggested that funeral businesses could use photographs or signs to advertise their services instead of displaying coffins along roads.

Under the written order, anyone found violating its provisions could face an administrative fine of not less than SSP 3.5 million. The document also provides for the confiscation of items or arrest and prosecution before a competent court.

However, the order does not explain in detail how the penalties will be applied, whether they would be imposed as alternatives or in combination.

The directive cites the Local Government Act 2009 as part of the legal basis for the commissioner’s action. The precise scope of the commissioner’s authority to impose the stated penalties would require examination of the relevant legislation and applicable legal procedures.

The order places responsibility for enforcement on several county institutions and security agencies, but it does not specify a separate implementation timetable beyond stating that it takes effect upon signature.

While Lado’s earlier remarks framed the coffin-display restriction around cultural norms and traditions, the written order now establishes formal penalties for non-compliance.

The directive marks a shift from the commissioner’s public warning to a written county regulation, placing coffin dealers under an explicit requirement to stop displaying their products outside shops.

Utilities

“In our culture as South Sudanese, you don’t make exhibition of coffins,” Juba County Caretaker Commissioner, Moulana Kalisto Lado during a past interview.