(YAMBIO, WESTERN EQUATORIA) – Western Equatoria State has taken a decisive step towards reforming its tax and revenue management systems by creating its first ever oversight board for the Revenue Authority. The move announced on Thursday by Governor James Al Taib is aimed at increasing transparency, ensuring accountability and improving the way public funds are managed.
The new board consists of eight members drawn from different counties across Western Equatoria. Their task will be to supervise the collection and use of state revenues and to make sure that all processes follow the law. Governor Al Taib described the formation of the board as a historic moment that fulfils a constitutional requirement which has been delayed for years.
Alongside the creation of the board, the state government also carried out a leadership overhaul at the Revenue Authority. Commissioner General James Ramadan Richard, Deputy Commissioner General Torosa Elias Toro, and Director-General Monica Peter Bago were relieved of their duties.
Advocate Jackson Ezekiel Bugwa has been appointed as the new Commissioner General, while Helen Thomas Abdu takes over as Director General. The deputy commissioner general post remains vacant for now.
Governor Al Taib said these changes were not just about replacing individuals, but about setting up a system where public money is safeguarded and used in the best interests of the people of Western Equatoria.
The decision has been welcomed by civil society groups. Edmond Yakani, the Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization, said the reforms were urgently needed. He noted that strong systems for collecting and managing revenue would build trust with the public and improve the delivery of services.
Western Equatoria, like much of South Sudan, faces ongoing challenges of economic instability and corruption. By introducing an oversight board and reshaping its tax authority, the state is positioning itself to improve revenue performance and accountability.
Civil society members said these reforms could create more reliable revenue streams for essential services such as healthcare, education and infrastructure. They also add that better financial management at the state level could help attract investment and support local businesses that depend on fair and predictable tax policies.
Western Equatoria Revenue Authority Reform
| Change Announced | Details |
|---|---|
| Oversight Board | 8 members appointed from across the state |
| Dismissed Officials | Commissioner General, Deputy Commissioner, Director-General |
| New Appointments | Commissioner General: Advocate Jackson Ezekiel Bugwa, Director General: Helen Thomas Abdu |
| Constitutional Role | Board fulfils overdue requirement for accountability |
| Civil Society Response | Reform welcomed as a step to build trust and improve service delivery |