South Sudan, Uganda Sign MoU to Boost Customs Cooperation, Combat Tax Evasion

South Sudan and Uganda have signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen customs cooperation, facilitate cross-border trade and combat tax evasion along their shared border. The agreement, signed on Tuesday by the South Sudan Revenue Authority (SSRA) and Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), is the third between the two institutions. It introduces measures including digital interoperability, joint transit trade facilitation, information sharing and capacity building. URA Commissioner General John Musinguzi Rujoki said the agreement would strengthen enforcement of an electronic permit system and help prevent the diversion or rerouting of goods destined for South Sudan. “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 two authorities said the agreement would also 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 two sides had established 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.