Revenue collection is an important responsibility of government institutions. The money collected through taxes, fees, and other legal charges is meant to support public services and contribute to the development of the country.
However, growing concerns over unauthorised individuals and self-deployed personnel allegedly collecting revenues in different parts of Juba City should not be taken lightly.
It has been noted that some individuals who are not officially mandated by the government are involved in collecting money from businesses, traders, motorists, and members of the public.
Others may be using government institutions, uniforms, or alleged assignments as a cover to demand payments without proper authorisation.
This practice, if left unchecked, creates confusion and exposes citizens to exploitation. A trader or ordinary resident may find it difficult to distinguish between a legitimate government revenue collector and an unauthorised individual.
As a result, people may be forced to pay money without receiving official receipts or knowing whether the funds are actually reaching government accounts.
The government must urgently identify all authorised institutions and personnel responsible for collecting revenues within Juba City.
There should be clear guidelines indicating who is allowed to collect specific taxes or fees, where payments should be made, and what official documents or receipts must be issued. Any person operating outside these legal procedures should be investigated.
Self-deployed individuals must not be allowed to establish illegal collection points or use the names of government institutions for personal benefit.
Revenue collection cannot be treated as an opportunity for individuals to enrich themselves at the expense of citizens and businesses.
More importantly, those found to have illegally collected public money must be held accountable. Accountability should not stop with removing unauthorised collectors from the streets.
Authorities must investigate how long such activities have been taking place, how much money has been collected, and whether any government officials were involved in protecting or facilitating the illegal operations.
Juba, as the capital city, should set an example in transparent and accountable public administration. The government has repeatedly emphasised the need to increase domestic revenue, but genuine revenue mobilisation can only succeed when the system is trusted by the people.
Citizens will be more willing to pay legally required taxes and fees when they are confident that their money is being collected through proper channels and used for public purposes.
Relevant authorities, including the city administration, revenue institutions, and security agencies, should therefore work together to remove all unauthorised revenue collectors from the streets.
Public awareness should also be strengthened so that residents and businesses know the official procedures and can report suspicious collectors.
Government revenue belongs to the public, not to individuals. Anyone collecting money without legal authority must be identified, investigated, and made accountable.
Restoring order and transparency in revenue collection is essential for protecting citizens, strengthening public trust, and ensuring that every legitimate payment contributes to the development of Juba and the country.
God protect South Sudan.
Be the spectator!