Demolished Structures, Worship Under Tents and a Fatal Shooting: A Church and a Parliament Talk About Land

• The church had occupied land behind South Sudan’s Parliament for more than 40 years
• The Ministry of Justice issued an eviction notice in May 2022
• Church structures were demolished and members worshipped in roadside tents
• Parliament’s deputy speaker invited the church to talks in late 2025

A long and violent fight over church land in South Sudan’s capital may be heading for a settlement, Sudans Post reported on December 31, 2025.

Christ Church Nakasongola had occupied land behind the National Legislative Assembly in Juba for more than 40 years when the Ministry of Justice issued an eviction notice in May 2022. The church challenged the order, taking the case to the East African Court of Justice. During the dispute, church structures were demolished and members were forced to worship in tents by the roadside.

The conflict turned deadly. In July 2024, armed men attacked security forces at the site and four people were shot, including student Deng Makhon, who died of his injuries.

Late in 2025, Parliament’s Deputy First Speaker invited church representatives to talks, raising hopes that the land could be restored or compensation paid. “We have suffered for a long time,” said the Rev Abraham Marwal. Bishop Michael Kenyi said: “They told us they feel the pain of the church,” adding, “As a church, we have forgiven what happened.” Bishop Charles Alfred William said: “We want to say to Parliament that we are at peace.”

Decades of occupation did not protect the congregation when the state wanted the land near its seat of power. Only when both sides chose negotiation over force did a solution appear possible.

Churches in Jamaica also sit on land whose ownership may not be settled, including sites next to government property. Securing title or a formal lease now, and keeping disputes in the courts and at the table rather than on the ground, protects both the congregation and its buildings.

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