About NCDS
A comprehensive civil defense and disaster management institution serving the Republic of South Sudan.
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From fire brigade to civil defense
The South Sudan National Civil Defense Service (NCDS) is a cornerstone of national safety and emergency management in the Republic of South Sudan. Originally established as the National Fire Brigade, the Service has evolved under the National Civil Service Amendment Bill 2022 into a comprehensive civil defense and disaster management institution.
NCDS is mandated to prevent fire hazards, manage disasters, coordinate emergency responses, conduct public safety inspections, and protect communities from natural and human-made emergencies.
We work under the Ministry of Interior with government institutions, communities and development partners to strengthen emergency preparedness, response capacity, public awareness and disaster resilience throughout South Sudan.
Safety for all
Protecting lives and property
To protect the lives and properties of both the public and individuals within South Sudan against fire and disasters, guided by the core values and principles that drive the efficient and effective delivery of our service to the people of South Sudan.
What the law asks of us
The mandate of the National Civil Defense Service is to prevent and protect the people of South Sudan and their property from fire and other disasters.
Legal basis
Our mandate is established by the Transitional Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan 2011 (as amended), Article 158(2), read together with the National Civil Defense Service Act 2022, section 7(2).
Section 8 of the same Act sets out our three core activities: firefighting, search and rescue, and ambulance services.
Our objectives
- Identify and record premises with high fire risk potential
- Work with responsible organizations and individuals in undertaking fire risk assessments
- Enforce fire safety legislation
- Provide safety and fire prevention training to communities to reduce the risk of fire
- Provide guidance and leadership at state levels for the development of strategies to reduce fire risks and ensure the best use of resources
- Develop and maintain professional standards in the recruitment, training, deployment and transfer of Civil Defense officers
How we hold ourselves to account
Alongside our core values, NCDS operates a Corporate Governance Framework built on six principles.
Focusing on the purpose of the authority and on outcomes for the community, and creating and implementing a vision for the local area.
Members and officers working together to achieve a common purpose with clearly defined functions and roles.
Promoting values for the authority and demonstrating the values of good governance through upholding high standards of conduct and behavior.
Taking informed and transparent decisions which are subject to effective scrutiny, and managing risk.
Developing the capacity and capability of members and officers to be effective.
Engaging with local people and other stakeholders to ensure robust public accountability.
Command and departments
The Commissioner, answerable to the Minister through the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior, is responsible for the core functions of the Service, supported by the Deputy Commissioner General who coordinates its routine functions.
Eight Assistant Commissioners
- Administration and Finance
- Ten States and Three Administrative Areas Affairs
- Investment and Projects
- Disaster and Emergency
- Training
- Safety
- Logistics and Procurement
- Corporation and Facilities
Core functions
- Fire prevention and coordination
- Emergency response
- State National Civil Defense Service coordination
- Strategic planning, research and data management
- Human resource management and development
- Finance and administration
- Operations
Work with us on public safety
Government institutions, communities and development partners are central to how NCDS builds disaster resilience.