AGP Executive Report

Road & Transport: The Juba–Nimule Highway repairs are set to resume after South Sudan approved urgent maintenance funding, with Rhino Construction expected to tackle potholes and deteriorated sections on the key trade lifeline to Uganda. Tax & Business Climate: The South Sudan Revenue Authority set September 15 as the deadline for August tax filings and payments, including sales and excise taxes for hotels, bars, restaurants, travel agencies, and telecoms, plus arrears via designated commercial banks and online filing. Wildlife & Tourism: South Sudan’s Boma and Badingilo national parks were highlighted as a major bird habitat, with UNESCO World Heritage status expected to boost conservation and nature tourism around the Great Nile Migration. Protected Areas Policy: The Land Use Planning committee urged lawmakers to align the National Land Policy with wildlife and Protected Areas laws, pushing for clearer protected-area demarcation and enforcement. Humanitarian Travel Home: Cabinet approved $26.5m to repatriate and reintegrate 20,000 vulnerable South Sudanese stranded in Egypt, covering transport, documentation, reception, and support on return. Security & Travel Risk: Reuters reports attacks and drought are deepening the crisis in Warrap, raising fears of famine and adding instability risks for movement and travel.

South Sudan Travel & Tourism: Tax & travel costs: The South Sudan Revenue Authority has set September 15 as the deadline for August tax filings and payments, including sales and excise taxes for hotels, bars, restaurants, travel agencies, and telecommunications companies—a reminder that tourism businesses should stay current with online filing and arrears payments. Wildlife & nature tourism: South Sudan’s Boma and Badingilo parks have gained UNESCO World Heritage status, boosting hopes for more conservation support and birdwatching tourism around the seasonal spectacle of migratory storks and other species. Land & protected areas: The Ministry of Wildlife Conservation and Tourism is pushing lawmakers to align the National Land Policy with protected areas and wildlife laws, aiming to strengthen enforcement and community involvement. Safety for visitors: With reports of attacks and drought worsening instability, travelers should expect heightened security concerns as the country heads toward December elections. Repatriation logistics: Government funding approved for the repatriation of 20,000 South Sudanese stranded in Egypt could affect travel planning and transport availability in the coming months.

World Heritage for Wildlife: South Sudan’s Boma and Badingilo national parks have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a win for migratory birds and conservation efforts that could also boost eco-tourism. Land & Conservation Policy: Juba’s Land Use Planning committee is pushing lawmakers to align the National Land Policy with wildlife and Protected Areas laws, aiming to speed up pending wildlife legislation. Security & Travel Safety: A deadly raid on a Warrap military base, paired with an emergency drought declaration, is highlighting worsening instability ahead of December elections—bad news for anyone planning travel or visits. Repatriation Logistics: The government approved $26.5m to repatriate about 20,000 vulnerable South Sudanese stranded in Egypt, covering transport, documentation, reception, and reintegration support. Tourism-Adjacent Sports: South Sudan’s El Merriekh Bentiu edged Somalia’s Heegan 1-0 in CAF Champions League preliminary action, adding a fresh reason for fans to follow local matches. Youth & Juba Movement: Refugee affairs officials told scholarship students to “collect papers, not children,” warning about criminal groups targeting people in Juba.

World Heritage & Birding: South Sudan’s Boma and Badingilo parks have UNESCO World Heritage status, and conservationists say the rains bring huge migratory flocks—great news for birdwatchers planning safaris. Wildlife Law & Land Policy: Juba’s Land Use Planning committee is urging lawmakers to fold conservation and Protected Areas laws into the national land policy, pushing for clearer protected-area boundaries and stronger wildlife enforcement. Security & Travel Risk: A deadly raid on a Warrap military base and a drought emergency are raising fears of worsening instability and famine—another reminder that travel plans may face sudden disruptions. Repatriation for Stranded Travelers: The government approved $26.5m to repatriate about 20,000 vulnerable South Sudanese from Egypt, covering transport, documentation, reception, and reintegration support. Elections & Youth Mobilisation: President Kiir endorsed SPLM Youth League grassroots reorganisation ahead of December 2026 elections, with plans to expand structures from states down to bomas—likely to affect local movement and community events. Regional Context: UN-linked reporting highlights how Sudan’s war is spilling across borders, a factor that can shape regional routes and safety for travelers.

Road & Connectivity: South Sudan’s government approved $26.5m to repatriate and reintegrate about 20,000 vulnerable South Sudanese stranded in Egypt, covering transport, documentation, reception and support. Elections & Youth Mobilisation: President Salva Kiir endorsed the SPLM Youth League’s nationwide grassroots drive ahead of December 2026 elections, aiming to rebuild structures from national level down to bomas. Security & Travel Safety: A Catholic bishop condemned violence after Carmelite sisters were attacked on the Juba–Torit highway; two sisters survived an ambush, with reports of robbery and possible abductions. Tourism & Nature Policy: Juba’s wildlife land-use planners urged lawmakers to align the National Land Policy with conservation and protected areas laws—key for safeguarding habitats tied to South Sudan’s big wildlife moments. Trade & Regional Travel: South Sudan was urged to speed up EAC commitments to become an investment and production hub, including progress on customs and the Nimule–Elegu one-stop border post. Health & Cross-Border Care: A cross-border pathway is helping South Sudanese infants reach life-saving brain surgery in Uganda ahead of World Hydrocephalus Day.

Roads & Trade Access: South Sudan and Kenya have agreed to mobilise resources to build the 365-kilometre Juba–Torit–Kapoeta–Nadapal highway, a key link to Kenya’s Mombasa port and the LAPSSET corridor, with both sides also set to reactivate a border-issues committee. Wildlife & Land Planning: Juba’s Land Use Planning committee urged lawmakers to fold conservation and Protected Areas laws into South Sudan’s National Land Policy, pushing for clearer protected-area demarcation and faster wildlife legislation. Security, Travel Disruption & Humanitarian Returns: The cabinet approved $26.5m to repatriate about 20,000 vulnerable South Sudanese stranded in Egypt, covering transport, documentation, reception and reintegration support. Insecurity on the Highway: Two Carmelite members survived an ambush on the Juba–Torit road near Lirya, with passengers robbed and one sister reportedly injured. Tourism-Adjacent Health Access: A cross-border pathway is helping South Sudanese infants with hydrocephalus reach neurosurgery in Uganda via Mission Aviation Fellowship and CURE Uganda. Connectivity for Rural Mobility: SPLM urged telecom operators to expand cellular coverage in Lafon County after violence displaced families sheltering in schools and churches. EAC Investment Push: Business leaders in Juba urged faster rollout of EAC commitments to position South Sudan as a regional trade and investment hub.

Repatriation & Reintegration: South Sudan’s Council of Ministers approved $26.5 million to repatriate about 20,000 vulnerable South Sudanese stranded in Egypt, covering transport, documentation, reception, and support for reintegration. Security & Travel Safety: A deadly raid hit a Warrap military base as drought is declared, raising fears of famine and worsening instability ahead of December elections. Wildlife & Land Policy: Juba lawmakers urged South Sudan’s National Land Policy to integrate wildlife and Protected Areas laws, pushing for clearer protected-area demarcation and stronger enforcement—good news for conservation tourism planning. Roads & Regional Access: South Sudan and Kenya agreed to mobilize resources for the Juba–Torit–Kapoeta–Nadapal highway, a key LAPSSET corridor link to the Port of Mombasa. Trade & Investment: An EAC CEO roundtable in Juba urged faster EAC commitments so South Sudan can position itself as an East African trade and investment hub. Insecurity on the Highway: Two Carmelite members survived an ambush on the Juba–Torit road; the attack involved robbery and injuries, underscoring ongoing travel risks. Connectivity for Rural Life: SPLM called for expanded cellular coverage in Lafon County after violence displaced families, many sheltering in schools and churches. Health & Cross-Border Care: A cross-border pathway is helping South Sudanese infants with hydrocephalus reach neurosurgery in Uganda, offering a rare travel route for life-saving treatment.

Wildlife & Land Policy: South Sudan’s Land Use Planning Committee urged lawmakers in Juba to weave wildlife and Protected Areas laws into the upcoming National Land Policy, pushing for clearer protected-area demarcation and stronger enforcement. Repatriation & Travel Safety: Cabinet approved $26.5m to repatriate about 20,000 vulnerable South Sudanese stranded in Egypt, covering transport, documentation, reception, transit, and reintegration support. Roads & Regional Tourism/Trade Links: South Sudan and Kenya agreed to mobilise resources for the Juba–Torit–Kapoeta–Nadapal highway (part of the LAPSSET corridor), aiming to connect to the Port of Mombasa. Insecurity on the Highway: Two Carmelite members survived an ambush on the Juba–Torit highway near Jebel Gutun; they were robbed and one was injured, with the diocese arranging medical help in Juba. Connectivity for Communities: SPLM urged the National Communication Authority and mobile operators to expand cellular coverage in Lafon County after violence displaced families and burned villages. EAC Investment Push: An EAC trade and investment roundtable in Juba urged faster implementation of EAC commitments to position South Sudan as a regional hub, highlighting customs reforms and the Nimule–Elegu One Stop Border Post. Football for Visitors: SSFF pledged support for deaf football development, including travel logistics for talent identification in Juba.

Repatriation & Reintegration: South Sudan’s Cabinet approved $26.5m to repatriate about 20,000 vulnerable South Sudanese stranded in Egypt, covering transport, documentation, reception, transit, humanitarian help and reintegration support, with a government delegation set to coordinate with Egyptian authorities. Roads & Trade: South Sudan and Kenya agreed to mobilize resources to build the Juba–Torit–Kapoeta–Nadapal highway, a 365-km link tied to the LAPSSET corridor toward the Port of Mombasa, after a bilateral meeting in Nairobi. Security on the Highway: Two Carmelite sisters survived an ambush on the Juba–Torit road near Jebel Gutun, were injured and robbed, and were rushed to Juba for further medical care; the incident follows earlier attacks on the same route. Connectivity for Rural Life: SPLM urged the National Communication Authority and mobile operators to expand cellular coverage across Lafon County after violence displaced hundreds, with families sheltering in schools, churches and temporary sites. EAC Business Push: An EABC-led roundtable in Juba urged faster implementation of EAC commitments to position South Sudan as a regional trade and investment hub, citing progress like the Nimule–Elegu one-stop border post. Health & Travel Link: A cross-border pathway is helping South Sudanese infants with hydrocephalus reach neurosurgery in Uganda via Mission Aviation Fellowship flights and CURE Children’s Hospital in Mbale. Insecurity & Church Response: A Catholic bishop condemned violence after sisters were attacked and called on government to tackle insecurity. Sports & Travel: Egypt confirmed a friendly vs South Africa on 4 Oct and will travel to Juba to face South Sudan in AFCON 2027 qualifiers on 29 Sept.

Repatriation & Reintegration: South Sudan’s Cabinet approved $26.5 million to repatriate about 20,000 vulnerable South Sudanese stranded in Egypt, covering transport, documentation, reception, transit and reintegration support, with a government delegation set to coordinate with Egyptian authorities. Roads & Regional Travel: South Sudan and Kenya agreed to mobilise resources for the Juba–Torit–Kapoeta–Nadapal highway (part of the LAPSSET corridor), a key link toward the Port of Mombasa. Connectivity for Communities: SPLM urged the National Communication Authority and mobile operators to expand cellular coverage in Lafon County after violence displaced hundreds of families. Ebola Response & Movement: In eastern DR Congo, health teams are using anonymized mobile-phone data to track population movement and predict where Ebola may spread next, as cases and deaths continue to rise. Tourism & Sports Link: Egypt confirmed a friendly against South Africa on 4 October, with the team then traveling to Juba for AFCON 2027 qualifiers against South Sudan. Safety on the Road: Two Carmelite sisters survived a highway ambush on the Juba–Torit route, echoing a deadly attack on the same road years earlier.

Ebola & Mobility in Congo: WHO teams are using anonymized mobile-phone movement data to predict where Ebola may spread next in eastern DRC, as cases pass 6,000 and deaths climb—an approach that could reshape how fast outbreaks are tracked across borders. Juba–Torit Highway Push: South Sudan and Kenya have agreed to mobilize resources to build the Juba–Torit–Kapoeta–Nadapal highway, a key link toward the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia corridor. Telecom Coverage for Lafon: SPLM is urging the National Communication Authority and mobile operators to expand cellular coverage in Lafon County after violence displaced families. Trade & Tourism Enablers: South Sudan was urged in Juba to speed up EAC commitments to become an East African trade and investment hub—good news for regional travel and business links. Road Safety & Security: Two Carmelite sisters survived an ambush on the Juba–Torit highway; the incident also raised concerns about highway banditry affecting travel between towns. Inclusive Sports: SSFF pledged support for deaf football development, including help for a Yei team to travel to Juba for talent selection. Football Calendar: Egypt confirmed a friendly vs South Africa on 4 October and will travel to Juba for AFCON qualifiers later in September, putting South Sudan on the match-travel map.

EAC Trade Push: South Sudan is being urged to speed up East African Community commitments and position itself as a regional hub for investment, production and manufacturing, with progress highlighted on customs reforms and the Nimule–Elegu One Stop Border Post. Roads & Cross-Border Travel: South Sudan and Kenya agreed to mobilise resources for the Juba–Torit–Kapoeta–Nadapal highway, a key LAPSSET corridor link toward the Port of Mombasa. Health Access for Families: A cross-border pathway is helping South Sudanese infants with hydrocephalus reach life-saving brain surgery in Uganda via coordinated identification, flights and hospital links. Security on the Highway: Two Carmelite sisters survived an ambush on the Juba–Torit highway, after earlier attacks on the same route killed sisters in 2021. Urban Transport Planning: Juba faces calls for more organised public transport parking yards to cut congestion and improve safety for passengers and drivers. Ebola Travel Reality: Congo’s Ebola outbreak continues to surge past 6,000 cases, with stricter travel limits affecting movement for people recently in DRC, Uganda and South Sudan. Inclusive Sports: The South Sudan Football Federation pledged support for deaf football development, including travel help for Yei’s deaf team to Juba for talent selection.

Medical Travel & Child Health: Ahead of World Hydrocephalus Day, a new cross-border pathway is helping South Sudanese infants reach life-saving brain surgery in Uganda via MAF flights and partner hospitals in Mbale. Roads & Trade: South Sudan and Kenya agreed to mobilise resources for the Juba–Torit–Kapoeta–Nadapal highway, a key LAPSSET corridor link to the Port of Mombasa. Regional Investment Push: In Juba, leaders urged faster EAC commitment delivery to position South Sudan as an East Africa trade and investment hub, highlighting customs reforms and the Nimule–Elegu one-stop border post. Security on the Move: Two Carmelite sisters survived an ambush on the Juba–Torit highway; meanwhile CTSAMVM warns localized violence and road attacks still threaten civilians and humanitarian work. Urban Transport: Juba faces a growing shortage of organised public transport parking yards, worsening congestion and safety risks. Tourism & Travel Industry: Jettofly was named South Sudan’s Leading Travel Agency 2026, while local travel stories keep spotlighting Juba-to-the-world connections. Sports & Community: Bright Stars momentum continues, with renewed plans for a national basketball arena in South Sudan.

Road & Trade Links: South Sudan and Kenya agreed to mobilise resources for the Juba–Torit–Kapoeta–Nadapal highway, a 365-km corridor tied to the LAPSSET route toward Kenya’s Port of Mombasa. Regional Investment Push: In Juba, the East African Business Council urged faster EAC treaty implementation to position South Sudan as an East Africa trade and investment hub, citing customs reforms and the Nimule–Elegu one-stop border post. Highway Safety & Travel Risk: Two Carmelite sisters survived an ambush on the Juba–Torit highway; they were robbed and one was injured, with reports that two children were abducted. Urban Transport: Juba’s public transport parking yards are still missing, forcing vehicles to park on busy roads and worsening congestion and safety risks. Sports & Community Travel: SSFF pledged support for deaf football development, including plans to help the Yei deaf team travel to Juba for talent selection. Health & Humanitarian Travel: Displaced families near the South Sudan–Uganda border are seeking urgent food, healthcare, and education after clashes forced them to flee. Security Outlook: CTSAMVM says major confrontations may be down, but localized violence, abductions, and road ambushes continue to threaten civilians and aid operations. Travel Rules Abroad: Updated U.S. Ebola-related flight limits affect travelers with recent DRC travel, while Canada extended Ebola entry bans—important for South Sudanese planning international trips.

Public Transport in Juba: Juba’s fast growth is colliding with a shortage of proper parking yards for buses and minibuses, forcing vehicles to stop along busy roads and worsening congestion and safety risks. Humanitarian Access & Safety: UNMISS says families displaced by clashes near the South Sudan–Uganda border are sheltering at a church compound, urgently needing food, healthcare, and education. Road Security Watch: CTSAMVM warns localized violence, abductions, forced recruitment, and ambushes are still threatening civilians and humanitarian trucks on key routes. Sports & Community Travel: South Sudan Football Federation pledges support for deaf football development, including backing Yei’s team travel to Juba for talent selection. Tourism & Travel Industry: Jettofly is named South Sudan’s Leading Travel Agency 2026, highlighting growing travel services from Juba. Aviation Rules (Ebola): Updated U.S. arrival restrictions require flights from DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan to land at designated airports with enhanced CDC screening. Health & Nutrition: An Amref nutrition outreach in Tonj is helping severe acute malnutrition cases reach care without hours-long travel to distant clinics.

Inclusive Sports: South Sudan Football Federation pledges support to the South Sudan Deaf Football Federation after talks in Juba, aiming to build a nationwide deaf football program, tackle shortages of coaches/referees, and help teams travel for talent selection. Public Safety & Travel: Juba’s public transport is under strain as authorities lack designated parking yards for buses and minibuses, forcing vehicles onto busy roads and worsening congestion and accident risks. Local Trade Pressure: Traders in Yei say high transport costs and sharp currency swings are still squeezing profits and making it harder to reach rural markets. Security & Humanitarian Access: CTSAMVM warns insecurity persists despite fewer major clashes, citing abductions, forced recruitment, and attacks along key roads that disrupt humanitarian operations. Displacement at the Border: Families displaced by fighting near the South Sudan–Uganda border are urgently seeking food, healthcare, and education after fleeing without belongings. Diplomacy: Foreign Affairs Minister James Pitia Morgan travels to Luanda for an AU summit on conflict prevention and continental security. Tourism & Travel Industry: Jettofly is named South Sudan’s Leading Travel Agency 2026, highlighting growing travel services from Juba. Regional Health Watch: Ebola continues to shape travel rules across borders, with Canada extending entry restrictions tied to DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan. Education & Youth: Rwandan authorities deport 16 South Sudanese students over alleged drug offenses, sending them back via the Rwanda–Uganda border.