(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – A two day financial management training programme for more than 35 participants concluded on Thursday in Yei, with county officials saying the initiative has strengthened skills in revenue generation, accountability and public financial administration. The programme is expected to support better management of local revenues and improve service delivery in Yei River County in Central Equatoria State.
Speaking at the closing session, the Commissioner of Yei River County, Hon. Emmanuel Taban Seme, praised both facilitators and participants for their active engagement throughout the training. He said continued capacity building among government officials remains essential for improving the quality and reliability of public services, which are closely linked to economic stability and business confidence in South Sudan.
The Commissioner noted that while many citizens seek peace and development, progress can be slowed when individuals are appointed to public roles without adequate skills. He encouraged participants to keep improving their professional abilities and said future programmes would focus on more advanced levels of leadership and management within public institutions.
He also called on county staff to strengthen teamwork, build trust among departments and follow established administrative policies and procedures. This included the proper use of annual leave, which he said supports staff welfare and efficiency.
The Executive Director of Yei River County, Mr. John Hillary Konga, said the training had already shown positive effects on the county administration. He pointed to better order, coordination and efficiency among financial officers, adding that revenue collection has improved compared to previous years.
Mr. Konga urged participants to apply the knowledge gained in their daily work and to prepare accurate and timely financial reports for submission to the Ministry of Finance. He said the county benefited from experienced facilitators and that the skills shared would help strengthen financial discipline and reporting standards.
The programme brought together county finance officers and other officials to address challenges affecting revenue collection and financial management. Participants received practical guidance on accountability, tax systems and the documentation required for local tax administration, all of which are key to building trust between government and taxpayers.
One of the facilitators, Mr. Scopas Joseph Moga, expressed satisfaction with the level of participation and described the trainees as important contributors to South Sudan’s future development. He said participants demonstrated a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities in managing public funds.
Mr. Moga explained that the sessions covered accountability reporting, different types of taxes and procedures used in tax administration. He added that the facilitation team remains available to support further capacity building, especially for officials who may need basic training.
The Team Leader from the Japan International Cooperation Agency, Mr. Akonj James Adwok, commended participants for committing their time to the programme. He said such dedication is vital for strengthening public financial management systems at the county level and for supporting sustainable local development.
One participant, Ms. Juan Annet, described the training as timely and useful, saying it improved understanding of financial management and provided valuable learning opportunities. She noted challenges such as the low number of female participants and called for more inclusive participation in future programmes.
Ms. Annet also stressed the need for greater public awareness about taxes, saying many citizens do not fully understand their purpose and importance. She called for continued civic education to improve cooperation between taxpayers and public institutions.
Meanwhile, Mr. Wani Banja said the training was planned early in coordination with the Director General of Planning in Central Equatoria State. He said the aim was to ensure that all officials handling accounts in Yei River County take financial management seriously and are better prepared to address existing challenges.
