Urgent Call to Protect Juba Services School Land
Hon. Daniel Brima Komora’s Address to Parliament on the Threatened Ownership of Juba Services School Land
Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members of Parliament,
I rise today not merely as a representative of the people, but as a firm advocate for the protection of our nation’s future our children, our schools, and our right to education. This House has repeatedly affirmed that human capital development is not just a policy objective; it is a foundational pillar of national progress.
It is in this spirit that I bring before you, once again, a deeply troubling matter regarding the Juba Services School
an institution that stands not only as a center of learning but as a symbol of our commitment to accessible and quality education for all citizens.
The Issue at Hand
Despite previous deliberations and commitments within this House, there are disturbing new developments suggesting that the land legitimately allocated to Juba Services School is under threat of transfer to a private individual or institution. This act, if allowed to proceed, would not only endanger the future of the school but would also set a dangerous precedent for how we treat public assets intended for education.
This situation is not a simple administrative oversight. It is a direct challenge to the values we uphold in this Chamber. It is an assault on our national commitment to education, a potential violation of public trust, and a breach of our legal and moral obligations to future generations.
A Complex and Sensitive Dispute
What makes this situation even more alarming is the apparent tension between the school’s administration and elements of the military. Were this a dispute solely between two state institutions
say, between the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Education perhaps inter-ministerial dialogue could resolve it. But this issue extends beyond internal coordination.
We are now faced with the prospect of public land, designated for educational purposes, being diverted into private hands. This is not only procedurally wrong; it is constitutionally and ethically indefensible.
The Role of Parliament and the Way Forward
This House must not
and cannot stand idly by. We must act swiftly and decisively.
Referring the matter solely to either the Ministry of Defence or the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education risks a jurisdictional deadlock. Each ministry may assert authority, thereby delaying resolution. That is precisely why the Public Interest Committee was established by this House to address sensitive and multifaceted issues such as this, where public interest must prevail over institutional rivalry.
Therefore, I strongly urge that:
- The Public Interest Committee be given full mandate to investigate and resolve this matter with urgency and impartiality.
- All activities relating to the transfer, sale, or occupation of the Juba Services School land be immediately suspended, effective upon the reading of this statement.
- A formal communication be dispatched through the Clerk of Parliament to the Chief of Defence Staff and the Deputy Minister of Defence, clearly instructing that no further action is to be taken regarding the land until Parliament completes its review.
A Call for Urgent Action
Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, this issue concerns more than land. It concerns legality, accountability, and our moral contract with the people we serve. It concerns the education of thousands of children who depend on this institution for their future.
I respectfully request that the Public Interest Committee submit its findings no later than the third week of this month. The urgency cannot be overstated. Delays may result in irreversible actions that damage not only the school but public confidence in government.
Let us not betray the trust placed in us. Let us defend the right to education and the sanctity of public institutions.
