Uganda and South Sudan have agreed to strengthen customs cooperation, facilitate cross-border trade and combat tax evasion along their common border, APA can report on Thursday.
South Sudan’s Revenue Authority (SSRA) and Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) signed the agreement that also introduces cooperation on digital interoperability, joint transit trade information sharing and capacity building.
Speaking after signing the agreement, the URA Commissioner General John Musinguzi Rujoki said that the agreement would strengthen enforcement of an electronic permit system and help prevent the diversion or rerouting of goods destined for South Sudan, according a statement issued by URA.
“One of the new areas is the enforcement of the use of e-permits, which has greatly improved revenue collection in South Sudan, but also improved controls on goods that go to South Sudan and come back to Uganda without paying the right taxes,” Rujoki said. He said the measures would help protect South Sudan’s tax base while enabling Uganda to address the dumping of goods in its domestic market.
The statement noted that the two sides also agreed to promote compliance among businesses and provide a more predictable environment for cross-border traders and transport operators. SSRA Commissioner General Ambassador Moun Deng Ajuet said the agreement serves as mechanisms to resolve operational challenges arising during implementation.
Ajuet said the expanded cooperation included joint enforcement of the electronic permit system to monitor transit goods and prevent illegal rerouting. He said some measures, including an updated procedure for changing cargo destinations, would take effect immediately, while the broader impact of the agreement would depend on its implementation at border crossings.
MG/abj/APA