(NIMULE, EASTERN EQUATORIA) – Authorities in Nimule Municipality have called on companies operating in the town to register their businesses legally as part of wider efforts to regulate the economy, strengthen accountability and protect residents from exploitation by unregistered firms.
Mayor Caesar Longa Fuli met with local advocates this week to discuss issues of land ownership and business regulation. He stressed that all businesses, including clearance agencies, forex bureaus and money lenders, must be registered with the municipal council. He noted that unregistered companies make it difficult for the authorities to monitor activities, leaving space for illicit trade and other unlawful practices.
“This country has a lot of travellers. They might claim to be from Nimule when we do not have their records in Nimule, and it becomes a problem.”
He added that even firms registered elsewhere in South Sudan must still file with the municipality to ensure full compliance.
The mayor expressed concern that some foreign traders are taking advantage of South Sudan’s open market policies by engaging in both wholesale and retail trade. He argued that this practice disadvantages local businesses and undermines the government’s wider efforts to empower youth and women. Referring to President Salva Kiir Mayardit’s vision to reduce poverty, Fuli warned that giving excessive advantage to large investors could weaken the country’s economy.
“If you are giving multimillion dollar investors the chance to do both wholesale and retail business, then we are contributing to the downfall of our country.”
He explained that the municipality intends to regulate the market to create a fairer environment for domestic traders.
Local legal advocates have pledged support for the municipal council’s campaign. Consul Odur Isaiah said many residents are not well informed about their land rights, making them vulnerable to exploitation. He promised to raise awareness in the community, stressing that a clear understanding of the law is essential for protecting livelihoods.
Philip Machar, of Both Philip and Company Advocate Limited, also expressed his support for the mayor’s initiative.
“We will support this Municipality in a legal way,” he said, adding that proper demarcation of Nimule Municipality is vital for future development.
He encouraged community members to embrace such measures.
According to the advocates, limited awareness of land and business rights leaves citizens open to corruption and unfair practices. They pointed to the Transitional Constitution of South Sudan (2011), which recognises all land as community owned but subject to regulation by the government.
