CES reviews UAP joint venture, dismisses Equatoria Tower sale rumours

JUBA – The Central Equatoria State (CES) government has reviewed a proposed joint venture agreement with UAP Properties Limited while dismissing claims that the landmark Equatoria Tower has been sold, amid growing public scrutiny over the status of the property.

The developments emerged during the 5th Ordinary Council of Ministers meeting, chaired by Acting Governor Paulino Lukudu Obede, on Thursday, where the cabinet deliberated on a memorandum presented by the State Minister of Finance, Planning and Investment, Janet Aya.

According to the statement, the memo focused on an agreement between the state, through its Investment Authority, and UAP Properties Limited concerning a joint venture linked to Equatoria Tower. While acknowledging ongoing discussions around the deal, ministers rejected reports circulating on social media alleging that the property had been sold.

The cabinet “reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to protecting the ‘Equatoria Tower’ and any other Government and public assets,” the statement said, adding that authorities are committed to “safeguarding not only the interests of the public, but of the future generations as well.”

Officials further dismissed the sale claims, calling on the public “to disregard any allegations circulating on social media claiming that the ‘Equatoria Tower’ is sold,” and described the building as “the pride of the people,” vowing to protect it entirely.

However, the government did not disclose details of the proposed joint venture, including its scope, terms, or expected benefits, leaving key aspects of the arrangement unclear as public interest in the deal grows.

In the same meeting, the cabinet approved 236 million South Sudanese pounds to facilitate the Central Equatoria State 3rd Youth Convention scheduled for later this month. The funding followed a memo presented by the State Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Bush Buse.

On security, the council reported that calm has been restored in Jebel Iraq following a recent attack that left at least 36 people dead and several others injured. Authorities said those wounded are “responding well to their treatment.”

The government said it would “heighten surveillance and patrolling in Jebel Iraq to deter any violent attacks,” while also expressing appreciation to security organs that responded to the incident.

The cabinet’s deliberations come at a time of heightened public attention on both the management of key government assets and the handling of security challenges in Central Equatoria State.