Rt.Hon

Rt.Hon This is the official page of Hon.

Jemma Nunu Kumba (MP)

First female Speaker of Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA), Republic of South Sudan (2nd August 2021-6th April 2026)

I have returned to Juba following my participation in the 20th Meeting of the Bureau of East African Speakers in Kampala...
18/11/2025

I have returned to Juba following my participation in the 20th Meeting of the Bureau of East African Speakers in Kampala, Uganda.

The meeting was highly productive, bringing together regional parliamentary leaders to reflect on key issues affecting our Community. We discussed general matters concerning the East African Parliaments, preparations for the upcoming East African Community Games, and the transition of the Bureau chairmanship from Kenya to Somalia.

I provided updates on the work of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly, as well as briefings on the progress of the peace implementation process in South Sudan—assuring my colleagues that implementation is moving forward and remains on track.

I also reaffirmed South Sudan’s strong commitment to the East African Community and our continued collaboration with the East African Legislative Assembly.

I look forward to continuing our work at the TNLA and contributing to a stronger, more integrated region.

It was a privilege to have concluded the 20th Meeting of the Bureau of East African Speakers in Kampala, Uganda. Togethe...
17/11/2025

It was a privilege to have concluded the 20th Meeting of the Bureau of East African Speakers in Kampala, Uganda.

Together with my colleagues, we reflected on the general issues affecting our national parliaments and the wider East African Community. Our conversations focused on strengthening cooperation, improving coordination with the East African Legislative Assembly, and advancing the work of regional integration.

We also discussed preparations for the upcoming East African Community Games, which will take place next month in Kampala. I am pleased to note that South Sudan’s participation has been tentatively confirmed, and we look forward to standing alongside our brothers and sisters from across the region.

An important milestone of the meeting was the transition of the Bureau’s chairmanship from Kenya to Somalia. I congratulate our colleagues from Somalia and look forward to the next Bureau meeting, which will be hosted in their country. Six out of the eight Member States were able to attend the meeting.

I shared updates on the TNLA’s current work and offered a briefing on the peace implementation process in South Sudan, assuring the Bureau that progress remains steady and on track.

As always, I reaffirmed South Sudan’s commitment to the East African Community and to working closely with our neighbours to strengthen regional cooperation.

This past weekend marked a truly special moment with the successful launch of my book, “The Art of Power: Pursuing Liber...
15/11/2025

This past weekend marked a truly special moment with the successful launch of my book, “The Art of Power: Pursuing Liberation and Nation Building.” In Juba. I am profoundly grateful for the warmth, enthusiasm, and support shown by all who joined us to celebrate this milestone.

Allow me to extend my deepest appreciation to our Guest of Honour, Hon. Atong Kuol Manyang, for her gracious presence and thoughtful remarks. I also wish to sincerely thank our panelists, partners, distinguished guests, the organising committee, and everyone who contributed to making the event such a colourful and memorable occasion.

The Art of Power is more than a personal reflection — it is a story about the journey of our nation, the sacrifices made in pursuit of liberation, and the continued work of building a South Sudan that reflects the hopes and aspirations of its people. It also highlights the strength, courage, and leadership of South Sudanese women whose contributions remain central to our country’s progress.

I am deeply moved by the reception the book has received and hopeful that it will inspire a renewed conversation about leadership, service, and nation building — especially among the next generation of women and young people.

The book is now available for purchase at Kakule bookstore https://shopkakulebooks.com and through the Jemma Nunu Kumba Foundation at $25 or the SSP equiv. Please contact the following numbers if you wish to purchase:

+211 92 588 8568 +211 92 266 6617 +211 920 050 102

It’s my hope that all who read the book can connect with my personal journey, but also see the stories of many south Sudanese families reflected within the pages of the book. Hashtag if you get your copy.

Earlier today, I held a meeting with H.E. Endre Stiansen, the Norwegian Special Envoy to the Horn of Africa, where we di...
28/10/2025

Earlier today, I held a meeting with H.E. Endre Stiansen, the Norwegian Special Envoy to the Horn of Africa, where we discussed the ongoing implementation of the peace agreement.

In respect to the work of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly, I briefed him that Parliament has successfully passed all the key pieces of legislation required under the peace agreement and continues to deliberate on other important bills and laws to support the peace process.

Despite the various challenges our country continues to face, the Government of South Sudan remains firmly committed to the peace agreement. We believe that dialogue remains the only path through which lasting peace and stability can be achieved and maintained in our nation.

I also took the opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate Norway’s longstanding support to the people of South Sudan — from the days of our struggle to the present — and its continued partnership in our journey toward peace and development.

After a productive week at the 151st Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Geneva, I have safely returned to Juba ...
27/10/2025

After a productive week at the 151st Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Geneva, I have safely returned to Juba and am ready to resume my duties.

The Assembly, held under the theme “Upholding Humanitarian Norms and Supporting Humanitarian Action in Times of Crisis,” brought together parliamentarians from around the world to deliberate on how legislative institutions can strengthen humanitarian principles and support those affected by conflict and displacement.

During the conference, I had the honour of addressing the Governing Council on behalf of South Sudan, highlighting our commitment to peace, multilateral cooperation, and the protection of human dignity. I also participated in the Forum of Women Parliamentarians and held several bilateral meetings with fellow Speakers and regional leaders to reinforce South Sudan’s partnerships within Africa and beyond.

I am equally proud of the Members of Parliament who accompanied me in the delegation. They participated actively in various IPU committees and forums, representing our country with dedication and professionalism, and contributing to global discussions on peace, governance, and development.

As we return home, we do so with renewed commitment to strengthening the role of Parliament in advancing peace, humanitarian action, and sustainable progress for our people.

Over the course of the 151st IPU Assembly in Geneva, I had the privilege of holding several bilateral meetings on the si...
27/10/2025

Over the course of the 151st IPU Assembly in Geneva, I had the privilege of holding several bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the conference, aimed at strengthening South Sudan’s ties with our regional and international partners.

I met with the Speaker of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), the Speaker of the Parliament of South Africa, the Speaker of the National Assembly of the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as the Secretary-General of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) and the Secretary-General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).

These engagements provided an opportunity to deepen parliamentary cooperation, exchange experiences, and reaffirm South Sudan’s active participation in the regional and global parliamentary community. Strengthening these partnerships is essential to advancing our shared goals — peace, regional integration, and sustainable development.

On behalf of the Republic of South Sudan, I was also delighted to present symbolic gifts that reflect the beauty of our culture and the quality of our local produce — a gesture of friendship and a celebration of our national identity.

Such moments of connection remind us that diplomacy is not only about dialogue, but also about building bridges through shared respect and cultural exchange.

I had the honour of addressing the 151st Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Geneva, held under the theme “Uphol...
27/10/2025

I had the honour of addressing the 151st Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Geneva, held under the theme “Upholding Humanitarian Norms and Supporting Humanitarian Action in Times of Crisis.”

In my remarks to the Governing Council, I reaffirmed South Sudan’s commitment to multilateralism and to protecting human dignity — values that remain central to our nation’s path toward peace and stability.

For us, this theme carries deep meaning. South Sudan, under the leadership of H.E. Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit continues to host over 650,000 refugees, most of whom have fled conflicts in neighbouring countries. Despite our internal challenges, we have remained steadfast in upholding humanitarian principles, ensuring protection for those seeking refuge, and facilitating humanitarian access across our borders.

At the Transitional National Legislative Assembly, we are translating these principles into action through initiatives such as the Parliamentary Alliance for Food Security and Nutrition, the Parliamentary Caucus on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), and the Young Parliamentarians Caucus. These efforts strengthen our oversight role and ensure that the values of peace, inclusion, and humanitarian solidarity are reflected in our national policies.

South Sudan’s participation in this Assembly reaffirms our belief that the protection of human life and dignity must remain at the heart of governance — not only in times of crisis, but as a foundation for lasting peace.

I have arrived in Geneva together with my accompanying delegation to attend the 151st Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) As...
20/10/2025

I have arrived in Geneva together with my accompanying delegation to attend the 151st Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly.

The IPU is a global organization that brings together parliaments from around the world to discuss international issues, strengthen democracy, and promote peace through dialogue and cooperation. It is, in many ways, the legislative equivalent of the United Nations General Assembly.

On the first day of the conference, I had the honour of attending the 40th Session of the Forum of Women Parliamentarians — a space where women legislators from across the world come together to share experiences and champion greater representation and gender equality in our parliaments.

During the 40th session, a campaign for gender parity was launched, pushing for parliaments and governments to achieve 50:50 gender representation and equality’s through a 10 point system.

I had the pleasure of giving remarks at a workshop organised in collaboration with the TNLA's Standing Specialised Commi...
16/10/2025

I had the pleasure of giving remarks at a workshop organised in collaboration with the TNLA's Standing Specialised Committee on Gender and Child Welfare, the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, and Plan International, to commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child under the theme “Ending Child Marriage and Unions in South Sudan.”

The workshop brought together young girls from all 10 states and the 3 administrative areas — each of them an inspiration and a testament to the resilience and potential of South Sudan’s daughters.

I encouraged them to focus on their education and to continue advocating for it in their communities. Their government stands with them — and in the Transitional National Legislative Assembly, we will continue to push this advocacy through our bills and laws.

At the national level, H.E. the President has shown the same commitment through the 35% quota for women in leadership, which has been effectively implemented in the TNLA. Together, we will continue working to create a South Sudan where every girl can learn, lead, and thrive.

It was my great honour to host a Girls Takeover in my office in commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child...
16/10/2025

It was my great honour to host a Girls Takeover in my office in commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child, held this year under the theme “Ending Child Marriage and Unions.”

A bright young lady, Miss Athiei Moses Sunday, symbolically took over my office for the day to learn about the work of the Speaker and the functioning of our Parliament. I was deeply moved as she shared her story — how she was once approached for marriage, but her father refused, choosing instead to champion her education.

Its important that we remind young women and our communities that education will mould our daughters into better people, and when the time comes, into a wiser wifes and mothers.

I commend Ms. Athiei's father and believe that we need more male advocates like her father who stand up for the rights of women and girls. Education remains one of the most transformational tools we hold in shaping the future of our nation.

The TNLA is committed to continue advocating for young women and girls, ensuring that their voices are heard, their dreams are protected, and their education is prioritized.

This afternoon, I had the pleasure of receiving a courtesy visit from the Minister of Health, Hon. Sarah Cleto Rial, acc...
09/10/2025

This afternoon, I had the pleasure of receiving a courtesy visit from the Minister of Health, Hon. Sarah Cleto Rial, accompanied by the Undersecretary of Health, Hon. Kennedy Ganiko.

Our discussion focused on the important work the Ministry of Health is doing to strengthen healthcare delivery across the country. We also discussed several health-related bills that will soon be reaching Parliament, including the Nursing and Midwifery Bill and the Health Insurance Bill.

The conversation further touched on the national health budget and the importance of increasing investment in this vital sector. I reiterated the Transitional National Legislative Assembly’s commitment to working collaboratively with the Executive to ensure that the people of South Sudan receive the best possible health services.

This afternoon, I had the privilege of meeting with representatives from various women’s groups from across our country ...
10/09/2025

This afternoon, I had the privilege of meeting with representatives from various women’s groups from across our country and across different fields.

Our discussions were wide-ranging, covering critical issues affecting women, including maternal health, the rights of women and children in prisons, economic empowerment, the need for intergenerational dialogues, and the importance of addressing these issues through the lens of disability inclusion.

I reaffirmed the Parliament’s continued commitment to working hand in hand with women’s groups, and to fulfilling its mandate in considering and passing legislation that empowers women. We eagerly await the arrival of key bills in this regard, including the Family Law, the Anti-Gender Based Violence Bill, the Women Enterprise Bill, and the Women Empowerment Bill.

Beyond legislation, I am equally committed to working closely with the Executive to ensure that existing laws are fully implemented, so that women, children, and persons with disabilities across South Sudan can feel the tangible impact of the laws made in their name.

I am confident that together we can continue to build a nation where the voices of women and girls are heard, respected, and uplifted.

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Juba

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