Rice & Food Security: South Sudan’s Agriculture Minister urged farmers in Aweil, Northern Bahr el Ghazal, to “take charge” of rice production at the Aweil Rice Scheme to cut imports and strengthen national food security. Central Banking & Misinformation: The Bank of South Sudan (BoSS) denied viral claims that rats destroyed 3 trillion South Sudanese pounds in its storage facilities, saying the story is fabricated and meant to undermine confidence. Regional Mobility & Trade: South Sudan officially received IGAD’s Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, moving it closer to ratification through an explanatory note to the Council of Ministers and then Parliament. Public Finance & Payroll Integrity: Government launched a biometric registration exercise for organised forces to build a verified personnel database, remove “ghost workers,” and improve payroll integrity with World Bank support. Social Protection Policy: A lawmaker called for suspending a circular requiring private sector and NGO staff to remit contributions to the National Insurance Fund, arguing the fund is not yet fully operational. Health & Skills: UNESCO launched a mobile-based teacher professional development initiative in Juba, while MTN South Sudan wrapped up its 21 Days of Y’ello Care campaign supporting maternal and child health at Juba Teaching Hospital. Ebola Watch: Regional reporting says the DRC-Uganda Ebola outbreak has surpassed 1,000 cases, with South Sudan listed among high-risk countries.