President Kiir Reshuffles Upper Nile State Government in Sweeping Decrees
President Salva Kiir Mayardit has carried out a sweeping reshuffle of the Upper Nile State government, relieving and appointing dozens of senior officials, including state ministers, advisers, county commissioners and members of the State Legislative Assembly.
The changes were announced through Republican Decrees Nos. RSS/OP/RD-J-206-08/2026, 207-08/2026, 208-08/2026 and 209-08/2026, issued under Article 106A(2)(a) of the Transitional Constitution of South Sudan, 2011 (as amended), and Section 38(1) of the Interpretation of Laws and General Provisions Act, 2006.
Among those relieved were State Advisers El Thieb Okiech Ajak (Peace and Security) and Buay Tor Chuol (Economic Affairs), along with nine state ministers overseeing key portfolios including Local Government, Information, Finance and Planning, General Education, Health, Trade and Commerce, Agriculture, Labour, and Culture, Youth and Sports.
The President also dismissed several officials serving in state independent commissions, including the Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission, the Deputy Chairperson of the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission, and a member of the HIV/AIDS Commission.
At the county level, commissioners of Nasir, Renk, Melut, Maiwut, Longuchuk and Maban counties were relieved of their duties.
In a separate decree, President Kiir revoked the appointment of Speaker-designate Vanasio Guang Kur and six members of the Upper Nile State Legislative Assembly.
The President subsequently appointed new officials to fill the vacant positions.
Joseph Aban Odong was named State Adviser for Peace and Security, while Dok Guot Ngor was appointed Adviser for Economic Affairs.
The newly appointed state ministers include Luka Sadalle Deng (Local Government), Paul Kur Ajang (Information), Lam Amos Agok (Finance and Planning), Chuol Dep Kier (Trade and Commerce), Yedjwok Edward Ajang (Agriculture), Nyanuer William Nyuon (Health), Gatluak Manytap Pal (General Education), Dhieu Deng Ajang (Labour and Public Services), and Paulino Onyaw Mayik (Culture, Youth and Sports).
President Kiir also appointed Kun Guor Minyjiek as Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission, Ngok Deng Kuol as Deputy Chairperson of the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission, and Gach Biel Diew as a member of the HIV/AIDS Commission.
New county commissioners were also named for Nasir, Renk, Melut, Maiwut, Longuchuk and Maban counties.
In the State Legislative Assembly, Philip Akol Amon was appointed Speaker, while Mary Nyawech Puot, Chan Chuol Wuor, Rebecca Augustine Ali, Peter Rial Okuay and Hoth Kun Koang were appointed as members.
According to the Office of the Governor of Upper Nile State, President Kiir expressed appreciation to the outgoing officials for their service and wished the newly appointed office holders success in their respective assignments.
