(JUBA) – The head of the South Sudan Revenue Authority has issued a firm warning to staff and the wider business community about improper tax exemptions and rising smuggling cases, saying these practices are putting pressure on the country’s fragile economy.
Commissioner General William Anyuon Kuol delivered the message during a visit to the Customs Division office in Juba. He stressed that unchecked exemptions and smuggling continue to weaken national revenue, making it harder for the government to manage public spending and support economic recovery.
Anyuon said the national leadership has directed the revenue authority to reduce the growing number of exemptions, noting that these exemptions have become a major obstacle to stable revenue flows.
He said the government’s concern is that excessive waivers are reducing the funds needed for operations and development. Anyuon explained that while some organisations qualify for exemptions under the law, these privileges do not apply to everyone.
He asked the public to recognise the importance of broad tax participation. According to him, if too many entities avoid taxes through exemptions, the state’s ability to fund development will weaken.
Anyuon also raised concern about increasing smuggling activities and said the authority will introduce a special mobile court to speed up the handling of cases.
He said the revenue authority is working with the Ministry of Finance and legal institutions to set up a court that can move to locations where cases arise. The aim, he noted, is to ensure quick and fair decisions.
He warned that traders and individuals involved in smuggling or avoiding tax payments will face legal action through the planned mobile court. Anyuon added that South Sudan’s current economic situation makes it necessary to tighten measures and protect domestic revenue.
He said that business people who avoid or dodge taxes play a role in worsening the fiscal pressure and will therefore be held accountable. He added that stronger tax enforcement is essential for helping the government stabilise the economy and meet public needs.
The commissioner general said the planned measures are intended to strengthen revenue collection, promote fairness in taxation and support ongoing national efforts to rebuild the economy.
Juba to Introduce Mobile Courts for Smuggling Cases
| Topic | Summary |
|---|---|
| Main Issue | Improper tax exemptions and rising smuggling in South Sudan |
| Key Official | William Anyuon Kuol, Commissioner General of the South Sudan Revenue Authority |
| Location | Juba, Customs Division office |
| Government Directive | Reduce the number of exemptions and tighten enforcement |
| Reason for Concern | Exemptions and smuggling reduce national revenue and weaken economic recovery efforts |
| Legal Exemptions | Only specific entities qualify, not everyone is entitled |
| Planned Action | Introduction of a special mobile court to handle smuggling cases quickly |
| Institutions Involved | SSRA, Ministry of Finance and legal teams |
| Target of Enforcement | Business community and individuals avoiding taxes or involved in smuggling |
| Economic Context | South Sudan facing ongoing economic pressure and revenue shortages |
| Goal of Measures | Strengthen revenue collection and support economic stability |
