Central Equatoria Council Rejects SSRA Tax Zoning Directive in Juba

(JUBA) – A dispute has emerged between the Government of Central Equatoria State and the South Sudan Revenue Authority (SSRA) following a decision by the SSRA to divide Juba into ten tax registration zones.

The new system is part of a door to door registration campaign launched on 1 July to register all businesses, service providers and self employed individuals operating within the capital city.

The decision announced unilaterally by the SSRA has been officially rejected by the Central Equatoria State Council of Ministers.

The State Cabinet held its regular weekly meeting on Thursday, chaired by Governor Lt. Gen. Rabi Mujung Emmanuel and expressed strong disapproval of the plan. The ministers said the directive undermines intergovernmental cooperation and violates constitutional principles.

Speaking after the meeting, Acting Minister of Information and Communication Hon. Jacob Aligo Lo-Lado told reporters that the Cabinet had discussed the SSRA policy extensively and resolved that it should be revoked.

“This was a unilateral decision. The Council believes that consultations should have taken place between the Revenue Authority, the State Government, and the Juba City Council before implementing such a policy,” Hon. Aligo said.

“The Cabinet has called on the SSRA to respect Article 49 of the Transitional Constitution of South Sudan (2011), as amended, which highlights the importance of intergovernmental linkages.”

The Cabinet further called on the national tax body to observe the constitutional rights of State Governments in matters of revenue collection. They warned that uncoordinated policy shifts could lead to confusion and mistrust between citizens and public institutions.

The SSRA, however, maintains that the zoning and door to door registration are crucial to improving tax fairness and accountability in Juba. According to the Revenue Authority, the ten zones will help streamline tax registration and ensure that all taxable entities are included in the system.

SSRA officials stated that this approach will help build an accurate taxpayer register, improve monitoring and allow for more informed planning. The authority stressed that registration is free and warned that any staff found requesting money will face police investigation and legal action.

SSRA’s Objectives in Juba Registration Drive

SSRA Commissioner General Simon Akuei Deng urged all businesses to cooperate and provide accurate information. He said the initiative will strengthen South Sudan’s economic base and reduce the country’s reliance on oil and external assistance.

“The future of South Sudan lies in our ability to generate local revenue. Every businessperson, whether large or small, has a role to play in this process,” he said. “This is about development, not just taxes.”

While the national government is under pressure to increase non oil revenue, local officials are wary of losing control over fiscal matters.

In the same meeting, the Central Equatoria State Cabinet approved funding for critical infrastructure projects. A request by the State Ministry of Roads and Bridges to complete two key bridges on the Terekeka–Tindilo–Tali road was granted. The Cabinet approved a total of SSP 1,015,000,000 (approx. USD 220,594) for this phase, while the remainder of the USD 8.3 million project will be included in the 2025–2026 fiscal budget.

The Council also acknowledged a proposal to rename the ministry as the “State Ministry of Transport, Roads and Bridges” but deferred the decision for further consultation.

Separately, the Cabinet condemned the recent rape of a young girl in Shirikat residential area. Hon. Aligo confirmed that police have launched operations across Juba targeting youth gangs allegedly linked to the attack. Several suspects are currently in custody.

“Those found innocent will be released, while those guilty will face prosecution under the law,” he said.

The South Sudan Revenue Authority has not responded to the tax debate at the time of publication.