South Sudan has officially launched a nationwide Public Service Headcount and Biometric Registration Exercise, marking a major step toward payroll reform and institutional restructuring across all government sectors.
Presiding over the launch, Josephine Lagu Yanga, Vice President and Chair of the Service Cluster, declared the initiative “a national priority and a personal mission” aimed at rebuilding a public service system that is efficient, fair, and transparent.
Speaking at the ceremony, Vice President Lagu delivered a firm message of accountability and renewal.
“Payroll reform is not just an administrative task it is central to restoring accountability, improving morale, and ensuring that our public resources serve the entire nation, not a select few,” she stated.
She emphasized that no institution will be allowed to resist or evade the process, underscoring the government’s commitment to building a credible, verifiable database of all public servants.
“This government will not tolerate loopholes or irregularities. Every institution must cooperate. We are determined to establish a clean, accurate system that reflects real public servants doing real work for this country,” she added.
Lagu highlighted that the initiative goes beyond payroll cleansing. It is designed to strengthen human capital development, reduce the country’s dependence on oil revenues, and empower a more qualified, accountable workforce.
She applauded the Ministry of Public Service for leading the reform efforts and acknowledged the World Bank for its technical and financial support.
Concluding the event, the Vice President officially launched the nationwide exercise, calling on all ministries, commissions, and agencies to give full cooperation.
“We will succeed because we are committed to reforms that benefit every citizen of this nation,” she affirmed.
The exercise is expected to roll out immediately across all states and administrative areas.
