By Yiep Joseph
The Central Equatoria State (CES) Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Bush Buse, has temporarily suspended community sports tournaments in Juba.
This followed a series of incidents involving violence, disorder, and security concerns at football grounds.
The suspension, contained in Ministerial Order No. 07/2026 signed on Monday by Minister Bush Buse, takes immediate effect and will remain in force pending investigations and an administrative review of community tournaments.
The decision comes after a turbulent weekend in which football matches at Munuki and Buluk playgrounds were marred by violence and serious security concerns.
At Munuki Playground, supporters reportedly clashed following a Bahr el Ghazal Counties Tournament (BCT) match between Twic Mayardit and Cueibet.
Reports circulating after the match said fighting broke out among supporters after the game ended in a draw, with the situation escalating into disorder around the playground.
The incident triggered strong reactions from the communities involved. Youth in Munuki reportedly removed goalposts from the playground in the aftermath of the chaos, citing security concerns and the disruption caused by the incident.
The BCT administration subsequently came under pressure to explain what happened at the match.
In a development aimed at easing tensions, BCT issued an apology over the incident involving the Twic-Cueibet match.
The tournament management also faced criticism over match organisation and security arrangements.
Reports indicated that the apology was accepted, while community representatives and individuals associated with the teams also issued separate apologies and called for reconciliation.
The apology, however, did little to prevent another serious incident at a Juba football ground.
On Saturday, August 15, a man allegedly produced a pistol during a match at Buluk Playground, prompting spectators and fans to chase him.
Reports said security personnel subsequently apprehended the suspect.
The incident, videos of which circulated widely on social media, raised fresh questions about how weapons and potentially dangerous individuals can enter football grounds during major community matches.
The events at Munuki and Buluk have intensified a debate that has been growing around Juba’s community tournaments: whether the rapid expansion of grassroots football has been matched by adequate organisation, crowd control, security, and accountability.
The Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports said recent incidents have undermined the very purpose of community sports.
According to the ministerial order, the violence and security incidents have raised concerns about the safety of players, spectators, and the wider public.
The minister also expressed concern that images and reports of disorder have spread on social media, potentially damaging the reputation of sports in Central Equatoria.
The government has therefore opted for a temporary suspension rather than allowing tournaments to continue under the existing arrangements.
Competitions organised under the Juba Football Association, the South Sudan Football Federation, legally recognised sports organisations, sports academies, schools, and registered clubs are exempted from the suspension.
The distinction is significant. It suggests that the ministry’s immediate concern is not football itself, but the organisation and regulation of community tournaments operating outside established structures.
Under the new measures, community sports associations and participating teams will also be required to register with the Central Equatoria State Youth and Sports Registration Commission before they can receive authorisation to organise tournaments.
The Ministry said the registration system will strengthen coordination, accountability, and compliance with state regulations.
Sports associations and clubs have also been instructed not to approve playgrounds for community tournaments while the suspension remains in force.
Security agencies, including the State National Security Directorate, State Police, and Central Security Division, have been directed to enforce the order and help protect public safety.
Organisations and individuals who disregard the suspension could face administrative sanctions, including suspension or revocation of access to sports facilities, as well as possible legal action under applicable laws.
Minister Bush Buse has said the measure is intended to protect the safety and integrity of sports while ensuring that grassroots sporting activities operate within an established regulatory framework.