Juba Traders Protest Heavy Council Fines
(JUBA CITY) – Small scale traders and street vendors in the Gudele Two and Kuburi Aboba areas are facing a financial crisis after local government officials began issuing heavy fines for operating on public pathways. Officials from Juba County are demanding that vendors pay 500,000 South Sudanese Pounds ($70.42) for each wheelbarrow or stall used to sell goods along the road. The authorities state that these charges are based on section 74 of the Local Government Act 2009 which regulates public order and the use of shop verandas.
The high cost of the fines has caused significant alarm among the local business community. Many vendors have appealed to the government for support instead of what they describe as aggressive tax collection. Several traders explained that their entire business stock is worth less than 200,000 South Sudanese Pounds ($28.17). They argue that being forced to pay 500,000 South Sudanese Pounds ($70.42) is impossible for them and will result in the total collapse of their small enterprises.
A dispute has also surfaced regarding the legality of the documents being used by the enforcement teams. One retail trader pointed out that the demand notes being distributed in January 2026 carry official stamps and signatures from November 2025. This has led to accusations from the trading community that the documents are expired and are being used improperly to collect money from the public. Some vendors have refused to pay the fines until the local government provides up to date and valid paperwork.
The demand note issued by the Office of the Executive Director for Juba County lists the offence as displaying goods in a veranda or working along the road. The document includes a note claiming that a female trader insulted the officials during the inspection process. For many micro businesses in Juba, these fines represent a huge percentage of their yearly earnings and there are growing calls for the county leadership to review the rate schedule to make it more affordable for low income earners.
| Fee Description | Amount in SSP | Amount in USD |
| Public Order Fine (Veranda Display) | 500,000 SSP | $70.42 |
| Typical Small Vendor Capital | 200,000 SSP | $28.17 |
| Financial Shortfall per Vendor | 300,000 SSP | $42.25 |
The situation remains tense in the affected markets as law enforcement continues to patrol the streets. Business leaders in the area are urging for a meeting with the Juba County Executive Director to find a middle ground that ensures public order without destroying the livelihoods of the urban poor. They suggest that a more gradual tax system or designated trading zones would be a better solution for the local economy than the current system of heavy fines.
