South Sudan’s Anti-Corruption Commission is set for a dramatic budget increase under the draft 2025–26 national spending plan, even as the country continues to struggle with entrenched corruption.
Budget documents reviewed by us show the commission is proposed to receive 6.58 billion South Sudanese pounds — up from just 342 million pounds in the 2024–25 outturns. The draft budget still requires parliamentary approval.
The allocation includes 2.05 billion pounds for staff training, one billion pounds each for contracted services and operational supplies, and 200 million pounds for medical expenses.
The commission’s workforce would also expand significantly, rising from 64 to 115 personnel — an increase of nearly 80 percent — with new prosecutors and investigators focused on asset recovery.
Despite the proposed boost, analysts warn that funding alone will not resolve systemic corruption. Policy analyst Boboya James Edimond welcomed the increased allocation but cautioned that deeper institutional reforms are essential.
“Financial resources alone are not sufficient to ensure effective accountability,” Edimond said.
He argued that the commission remains constrained by political interference and limited independence. While it can initiate investigations, prosecutions depend on coordination with the Ministry of Justice and the judiciary — a process that often stalls.
Edimond called for stronger whistleblower protections, improved legal frameworks, and greater institutional independence to make the commission effective.
The budget proposal comes as Finance Minister Bak Barnaba Chol seeks to reduce the fiscal deficit through improved tax compliance and revenue mobilisation. Total government spending is projected at 8.58 trillion pounds, with oil revenues still accounting for 74 percent of total income.
South Sudan continues to rank among the lowest-performing countries on Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index.
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