New Tax Boss Pledges to Improve Non Oil Revenue Collection

(JUBA COUNTY) – William Anyuon Kuol, the newly appointed Commissioner General of the South Sudan Revenue Authority (SSRA), officially assumed office on Friday, promising to strengthen non oil revenue collection and improve transparency in transferring funds to the government treasury.

Speaking at a reception at SSRA headquarters, Anyuon emphasised that the authority’s mandate is guided by law, calling for efficiency and fairness in collecting domestic taxes.

“Our role at the South Sudan Revenue Authority is to efficiently mobilise domestic revenue, which is mainly non oil revenue,” he said. “We must be fair by collecting what belongs to the government and returning what does not.”

He urged staff to take collective responsibility and work in a coordinated manner to meet national revenue targets. Anyuon expressed optimism that SSRA could raise monthly collections from SSP 130 billion ($18.3 million) to SSP 200 billion ($28.2 million) in the coming months with renewed focus and commitment.

Addressing concerns about transparency, the commissioner general pledged to work closely with the Ministry of Finance and Planning to ensure citizens are informed about revenue inflows and allocations.

“If we collect more than 130 billion, we will not announce it alone,” he said. “The Ministry of Finance will join us so the people of South Sudan know exactly where the revenue goes.”

He clarified that SSRA’s role is strictly to collect and remit revenue, while the Ministry of Finance manages expenditure.

“SSRA does not spend money. It collects and remits funds to the Ministry of Finance,” Anyuon explained.

The appointment follows a presidential decree issued on Wednesday, 12 November, by President Salva Kiir, replacing Hon. Simon Akuei Deng.

In his farewell address, Akuei Deng highlighted significant achievements during his tenure, noting that average monthly non oil revenue collection rose from SSP 49.7 billion ($7 million) to SSP 130 billion ($18.3 million). This progress, he said, allowed the government to pay civil servants’ salaries reliably.

Akuei Deng also noted that a joint task force with the Ministry of Finance ensures that collected funds are accurately transferred and reach the intended government accounts.

“Every penny collected is confirmed to arrive in the salary account before payments are made,” he said.

Stephen Dhieu Dau, Chairperson of the SSRA Board, welcomed the new commissioner general, emphasising collaboration in building a sustainable, transparent, and effective revenue system.

“Our mandate is to support national development and self reliance through efficient revenue administration,” he said.

On the country’s cash crisis, Dhieu Dau explained that the revenue authority’s responsibility is to collect and remit funds, not to supply cash directly.

“Once taxpayers transfer funds to our account, the Bank of South Sudan and the Ministry of Finance manage withdrawals,” he added.

Anyuon Seeks to Raise Monthly Revenue to SSP 200 Billion