The Central Equatoria State Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports has adopted a five-year strategic plan aimed at revitalising sports development while expanding opportunities for young people and strengthening cultural preservation across the state.
The 2026–2030 strategy was validated during a consultative workshop attended by representatives from government institutions, United Nations agencies, development partners, civil society organisations, sports federations, cultural groups and youth representatives.
The plan outlines the ministry’s priorities over the next five years, including the rehabilitation of sports infrastructure, promotion of youth employment and entrepreneurship, vocational skills training, environmental protection and the preservation of cultural heritage.
Speaking at the closing session, State Minister for Culture, Youth and Sports Bush Buse described the strategy as a roadmap for transforming the youth, sports and cultural sectors through coordinated investment and stronger partnerships.
He said the ministry would work to reclaim and protect public playgrounds, establish a State Arts, Culture and Heritage Commission, promote volunteerism and create a Youth Enterprise Development Fund to support youth-led initiatives.
Buse added that the strategy also seeks to address youth unemployment, gang-related violence and drug abuse by expanding access to sports, skills development, agriculture, environmental conservation and peacebuilding programmes.
Director General Emmanuel Ladu Kose commended ministry officials and stakeholders for developing the strategy through broad consultation, saying it reflects a shared vision for the future of the state.
He thanked development partners, including AMREF and UNFPA, as well as the management of Nyakuron Cultural Centre, for supporting the validation process despite limited resources.
The strategic plan will now be submitted to the Central Equatoria State Council of Ministers before being presented to the State Transitional Legislative Assembly for consideration and approval.
Once adopted, the 2026–2030 strategy is expected to serve as the ministry’s principal framework for mobilising resources, strengthening sports development and promoting inclusive youth and cultural programmes across Central Equatoria State.
