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Juba – Al-Wadi Newspaper
The Commissioner General of the South Sudan Revenue Authority (SSRA), Hon. Simon Akuei Deng, has announced the formation of a special taskforce committee tasked with monitoring the movement of goods, removing illegal roadblocks, and addressing obstacles hindering trade between South Sudan and its neighboring countries.
This initiative, aimed at improving the business environment and enhancing the smooth flow of goods along regional routes, was announced during a joint meeting held in Juba, attended by representatives from Kenyan and Ugandan Transport Associations and the Long-Distance Truck Drivers’ Union.
Commissioner Akuei described the formation of the taskforce as a proactive step to resolve trade-related bottlenecks and ensure adherence to trade regulations by all involved parties.
“The taskforce will focus on identifying the root causes of supply chain inefficiencies and work in coordination with key stakeholders such as customs officials, law enforcement agencies, and the private sector to implement practical solutions that improve the overall business climate,” Akuei said.
According to the Commissioner, one of the main priorities of the taskforce is to dismantle illegal roadblocks, which have long posed serious challenges for truck drivers transporting goods from Kenya and Uganda into South Sudan. The taskforce will also monitor the implementation of new measures and provide recommendations for performance improvement.
In his remarks, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Hon. Yol Lul Koor, welcomed the move, stressing that it would significantly contribute to economic stability and enhanced cross-border trade efficiency.
“The collective implementation of agreed-upon resolutions will ensure the smooth flow of goods, ultimately boosting economic activity and improving the livelihoods of those engaged in trade,” said Koor.
In a related development, representatives of transport associations from Kenya and Uganda, including Mr. Sudi Kauli Mwatela and Mr. Isaac Katabzi, praised the initiative and commended the Commissioner General’s commitment to improving trade conditions.
They noted that illegal fees and delays at unauthorized checkpoints have been persistent issues for long-distance drivers and expressed hope that this taskforce would lead to practical changes on the ground.
“Having a clear regulatory body on the roads is a significant achievement, and we hope this will translate into real improvements very soon,” Katabzi added.
If effectively implemented, the taskforce is expected to usher in a transformational shift in South Sudan’s regional trade environment, particularly as the country seeks to strengthen its economic ties with neighboring states and attract greater investment through streamlined procedures and a safer, more reliable transport network.
This move reflects the government’s recognition of the need for regional cooperation and the establishment of institutional frameworks that ensure seamless trade and support long-term economic sustainability.
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