Addressing the August House, the President called on members to endorse the budget to reflect prospects for economic growth, delivery of essential services, and political stabilization through credible elections.

By Ajah Jennifer

President Salva Kiir has called upon members of parliament to endorse the 2025/2026 Budget after the previous budget expired a month ago.

Kiir made the speech during the opening of the Transitional National Legislature Assembly on Wednesday after a six-month recess.

Addressing the August House, the President called on members to endorse the budget to reflect prospects for economic growth, delivery of essential services, and political stabilization through credible elections.

The proposed SSP 5.2 trillion budget issued by the Office of the Chairperson of the Economic Cluster, Dr. Bol Mel, targeted economic recovery, macroeconomic stability, and support for the nation’s democratic processes.

The budget prioritised agriculture, mining, public sector salaries, and humanitarian aid.

However, Kiir noted that the country has been facing serious economic challenges, including the recent temporary shutdown of oil production that had strained finances and delayed salary payments, but so resumed through decisive action.

“I have instructed the Vice President in charge of the Economic Cluster to prioritize timely salary payments for civil servants and organized forces and to ensure the full restoration of essential public services,” he stated.

Also, he emphasized the need to reduce over-reliance on oil and promote other sectors of the economy.

“Our future lies in economic diversification through agriculture, fisheries, mining, trade, infrastructure, and investing in our people,” he explained, calling for the need for fiscal discipline, strong financial management, and a fight against corruption.

South Sudan was recently ranked among the world’s most corrupt countries. The government has always been criticized for failing to punish corrupt officials.

However, in his speech, the president did not mention anything about corruption but rather urged he tasked the members of the parliament to work with the citizens’ interests at heart.

“Our people are tired of war and division. They long for lasting peace that builds roads, creates jobs, opens schools, and restores dignity,” Kiir said.

“They want a government that listens, serves, and delivers-and that is exactly what we are here to build,” he added

The National Legislative Assembly has big work ahead of it, including the pending bills like the National Security Service bill, Elections Bill, Banking and Bank of South Sudan Act Amendment Bills, and Constitution-Making Process Bill, among others, await deliberations by the August house.