On Thursday, a confrontation erupted in the Gezira area of Munuki over a long-standing land dispute between the church and the CES government.
At a Friday press conference, Rt. Rev. Dr. Justin Badi explained that the church organised three days of prayer at the disputed site to seek divine intervention.
“The government issued the land title, and now it’s the same government re-demarcating and reallocating it,” Badi said. “Before this demarcation, the church and the surrounding community coexisted peacefully.”
Badi clarified that St. Stephen’s Parish, established in 1965, received a formal land title in 1987.
“For over 60 years, there was no conflict with the community. This year, the CES Ministry of Housing re-demarcated the area, including the church compound, and allocated parts to individuals,” he said.
During the process, the priest’s house, stores, toilets, and an office at St. Stephen’s and St. Thomas’ parishes were demolished.
Badi noted that the church appealed to the governor, who promised to halt the re-demarcation. However, land allocation continued, including church property.
“We decided to pray at the site. When priests and laity arrived, youths, mobilised by those given the plots, threw stones at them. No one was beaten, but a few priests and laity were hit,” Badi said. Police eventually restored calm.
Addressing a viral photo, Badi clarified, “The image of me sitting was during prayers and fasting, not because I was attacked, as some claimed.”
He announced a month-long prayer initiative, starting with three days of prayer and fasting at the site. That evening, CES officials apologised and promised to suspend all activities on the disputed land. The church awaits confirmation that individuals assigned church property will be relocated.
Badi urged respect for religious and public spaces. Meanwhile, the CES government issued a formal apology to St. Stephen’s Church. Ministers David Morbe Aquilino (Housing, Land, and Public Utilities) and Lupai Satimon Andrew (Cabinet Affairs) reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting religious institutions.
“We deeply regret this incident and assure the church of their safety. Violence against places of worship will not be tolerated,” they said. The government is investigating and enhancing security to prevent further unrest.
Land disputes in South Sudan are governed by the South Sudan Land Act of 2009 and the Transitional Constitution of 2011, which emphasise community rights, equitable access, and government oversight. However, inconsistent implementation has fueled conflicts over land ownership.
