By James Innocent
The Commissioner of Yei River County, Samuel Henry Malimbo, has issued a local order prohibiting children under the age of 18 from entering clubs, discos, and sports clubs across the county.
According to Local Order No. 7/2026, the directive is intended to protect school-going children from dropping out of school, reduce gang-related activities, and curb the abuse of alcohol, drugs, and other harmful substances.
The order also seeks to address criminal activities and immoral behaviour associated with entertainment venues.
The order imposes strict penalties on anyone who violates the directive. Club, disco, and sports club owners who allow children under the age of 18 onto their premises will face a fine of not less than 1,000,000 South Sudanese Pounds (SSP) or imprisonment for up to three months, in addition to the possible withdrawal of their operating license.
Children found in clubs, discos, or sports clubs in violation of the order will also face legal action, including a fine of not less than 500,000 SSP per child and a possible three-month imprisonment, as stated in the directive.
To ensure effective implementation, the commissioner directed the inspector of police, the National Security Service (NSS), the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and all Payam directors in Yei River County to enforce the order immediately.
Samuel Henry Malimbo said the order takes effect from 2 July 2026, emphasising that the measure is aimed at safeguarding the welfare of children and promoting discipline, education, and a safer environment throughout Yei River County.
Earlier on, the police inspector, Major General Ali Abdullahtif, warned parents to talk to their children and avoid joining gang groups, citing that if they are not controlled, they will face the law.
The police advise young children to steer them away from criminal activities; rather, they should focus on education.