(YAMBIO) – The government of Western Equatoria State has officially approved a new tax schedule aimed at reviving internal revenue systems and ensuring greater financial stability, after years without a formal budget or tax guide.
The decision was reached on Thursday during an extraordinary session of the Council of Ministers. The meeting was chaired by Acting Governor Daniel Badagbu Rimbasa and attended by senior members of the state cabinet.
Ann Tuna Richard, the Minister for Roads, Transport and Bridges who also serves as the Acting Minister for Information and Communication, confirmed the unanimous decision to approve the tax schedule. Speaking to reporters after the session, she described the move as a vital step toward rebuilding fiscal discipline in the state.
“For five years, we have operated without a proper budget or tax schedule. This approval is an important milestone for transparency and accountability in how revenue is collected and spent,” she said.
Earlier in the week, the Western Equatoria State cabinet had approved what was described as a “postmortem” budget. The term reflects a backward looking fiscal plan to account for revenue and spending in previous periods that lacked formal budgeting.
Ann Tuna noted that the new tax schedule would lay the foundation for improved service delivery across the state. She said that the next Council of Ministers session will review and officially pass the schedule into law.
“We urge the business community to begin preparing for these changes,” she said. “Taxation is necessary, but the government must ensure that its approach is fair and does not burden ordinary citizens unnecessarily.”
According to the minister, the tax schedule is designed to strengthen the state’s ability to collect and manage revenue in a way that benefits local communities. She added that clear communication with key stakeholders, especially businesses, will be essential to avoid confusion and resistance to the new regulations.
“We will prioritise open communication with the business sector to explain the new policies clearly and help ensure compliance,” she added.
Although no specific figures were released about the expected revenues under the new schedule, the Western Equatoria authorities have said the reforms are part of a broader effort to align with national financial goals and improve economic performance.
For context, South Sudan has long struggled with weak public financial management and limited domestic revenue collection. The introduction of state level tax frameworks, such as the one passed in Western Equatoria, is seen as crucial to the country’s broader economic recovery and decentralisation efforts.
Below is a simple comparison of key revenue activities typically targeted in state tax schedules in South Sudan:
| Common State Revenue Sources | Estimated Monthly Range (SSP) | Estimated USD Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Market Stall Fees | 50,000 – 200,000 SSP | $11 – $43 |
| Business Licences (SMEs) | 300,000 – 1,000,000 SSP | $65 – $217 |
| Transport Fees (e.g. buses/taxis) | 100,000 – 500,000 SSP | $22 – $108 |
| Property/Plot Taxes | 200,000 – 600,000 SSP | $43 – $130 |
With the new tax schedule and budget framework in place, the Western Equatoria government says it is focused on rebuilding trust in public institutions and promoting responsible use of state funds.
If effectively implemented, the new system could offer a model for other South Sudanese states looking to strengthen their financial independence and deliver services to citizens more efficiently.
