Central Equatoria Moves to Resolve Tax Collection Conflicts

(JUBA) – South Sudan’s Central Equatoria State Governor, Lt. Gen. Rabi Mujung Emmanuel, on Friday led a one day refresher workshop in Juba aimed at improving collaboration among the state’s key revenue  generating institutions.

The high level meeting brought together the State Economic Advisor, ministers, heads of revenue bodies and senior officials from the State Government, Juba County and Juba City Council. Participants discussed practical ways to improve cooperation and resolve challenges affecting the political economy and tax collection across different levels of government.

The workshop, chaired by Governor Mujung himself and moderated by Justice Ajonye Perpetua and Counsel Wani Mathias, focused on identifying bottlenecks affecting revenue mobilisation. Participants were also tasked with finding practical steps to enhance the performance of state institutions.

Governor Mujung highlighted the persistent issues stemming from conflicting roles between the National Government and the State in tax administration. He noted that such overlaps had caused confusion in tax collection and enforcement responsibilities.

“We have experienced overlapping roles and responsibilities between the National and State governments, particularly in matters of tax collection,” the Governor said during his address. “A committee has been formed to develop workable solutions and examine the legal and logical position of the State.”

He encouraged participants to use their legal expertise and experience to clarify responsibilities and create sustainable solutions.

“Through your experiences and legal interpretations regarding revenue and tax collection, we will be able to address these issues effectively,” he added.

Hon. Lupai Satimon, the State Minister of Cabinet Affairs, said the session also served to empower the committee formed earlier to streamline intra-governmental linkages.

“This workshop aimed to strengthen and guide the State committee in its role of reviewing and advising on inter-governmental linkages in revenue administration,” Satimon explained.