Members of Eastern Equatoria Assembly on Monday passed with amendments the Council of Traditional Leaders Bill, commonly known as COTAL Bill.
The COTAL BILL was passed during its third reading, Emmanuel Radio reported.Martin Lopir, a MP from Kapoeta, seconded a motion moved by Ben Loki from Ikwoto County after a heated debate among the legislators over contentious clauses.
Deputy speaker Paul Napwon who presided over the session, declared the passing of the Bill.
He urged the assembly to continue enacting laws to ensure security and development for the peoples of Eastern Equatoria state who embrace cultural diversity.
Mr. Napwon directed the chairperson of the specialized committee for security and law enforcement to write a covering letter to accompany the COTAL Bill to be signed by the speaker of the Assembly.
Governor Louis Lobong Lojore will sign the Bill for it to become a law.
Eastern Equatoria minister for local government and law enforce, Nartisio Manir Loluke, said the COTAL Bill provides clear guidelines to enforce law and order.
He disclosed that some traditional leaders abused their powers due to the unclear boundaries between their roles with the ones of the courts.