Lawmakers debate bill on national and religious holidays

The parliament has debated the draft National Holidays Bill, 2026, a private member’s bill seeking to establish a legal framework for the recognition and observance of national and religious public holidays in South Sudan. Ayuen said the Bill seeks to provide legal clarity on the number of public holidays to be observed each year, their duration, and the procedures for national and religious commemorations across South Sudan. “The Republic of South Sudan is a young country and lacks many laws, including a law governing public holidays, their authority and application. If enacted, the law is expected to guide government institutions, employers, and the public on the official observance of national and religious holidays. The Draft National Holidays Bill, 2026, will now undergo further legislative scrutiny, including committee review and debate, before lawmakers decide whether to pass it into law.