By Kei Emmanuel Duku
South Sudan Revenue Authority (SSRA) launched Electronic Permit and Regional Cargo Tracking System to improve cargo security and trade efficiency across East Africa.
This system was launched at the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) headquarters in Kampala last Friday.
During the launch, Simon Akuei Deng, Director of the SSRA, emphasized the system’s critical role in regulating, tracking, and monitoring goods and services destined for South Sudan.
“As members of the East African Community, we must participate in cargo tracking and management. This system will control cargo movement, reduce smuggling, and enhance the security of cargo destined for South Sudan,” stated Deng.
The SSRA Director urged clearance agents, customs officers, and other government officials at South Sudan’s borders to adopt the system to prevent revenue loss.
He highlighted that the Regional Cargo Tracking System tracks goods and services destined for Uganda, South Sudan, or any other East African country without any diversion of their routes.
Asadu Kizito, Acting Commissioner of the URA, noted that the system will strengthen South Sudan’s revenue collection strategies.
He explained that with the E-permit system, traders importing goods and services to South Sudan will be required to pay taxes before the goods leave the loading point.
He further stated that the regional cargo tracking system will monitor goods and services transiting through East African countries until they reach their final destination.
“These systems promote legitimate trade, help governments generate required revenues, and, most importantly, address the challenges of illicit trade and smuggling within the region,” said Kizito.
The Acting URA Commissioner acknowledged the recent challenges of illicit trade and smuggling across various border points in the East African region.
The launch of the E-Systems and the Regional Cargo Tracking System was attended by South Sudan’s Ambassador to Uganda, Amb. Pual Malong, Commissioner for Customs Division Akech Tong, and Undersecretary of the Ministry of East African Community Affairs, Beny Gideon.