By: Ginaba Lino
A recent appointment by the Juba County Commissioner’s Office has triggered a dispute between local authorities and the business community, with leaders of the Chamber of Commerce accusing the county administration of interfering in the affairs of a private-sector body.
Addressing journalists in Juba, Robert Pitia, Chairperson of the Chamber of Commerce for Central Equatoria State, said the Chamber supports government efforts to reorganize markets in the capital but insists that its constitutional mandate must be respected.
Pitia referred to a directive by the state governor ordering the reorganization of markets in Juba to address safety concerns, including fire outbreaks, lack of access roads, poor electricity supply, and inadequate water services.
“We welcomed the governor’s order to organize the markets because it is aimed at addressing real challenges,” Pitia said. “Markets should be properly planned, roads widened, and structures built in a safer and more organized manner.”
However, he noted that implementation has been slow, with many markets still operating in congested conditions. He cited concerns in Konyokonyo North, where questions over land ownership involving the Islamic Council had created uncertainty, though he said discussions had helped calm tensions.
Beyond market organization, Pitia emphasized that revenue collection must strictly follow the approved legal framework, commonly known as the “Red Shadow.” He described the document as a public and binding framework that guides lawful revenue collection.
“Our solution is simple,” he said. “Let the financial legal framework be implemented as approved.”
The issue escalated following the appointment of a market leadership figure by the County Commissioner, a move the Chamber says was made without consultation.
Stephen Wani Aquilino, Chairperson of the Chamber of Commerce for Juba City Council, said the Chamber is an independent private-sector institution governed by its own constitution.
“Our mandate is to protect traders and consumers,” Aquilino said. “The Local Government Act does not place the Chamber under the city council or county administration.”
He alleged that recent correspondence from city authorities sought to assert control over the Chamber, citing what he described as a misinterpretation of legal provisions. According to Aquilino, attempts to place the Chamber under direct government authority undermine its independence and its ability to represent traders effectively.
Aquilino also raised concerns about revenue enforcement practices, claiming that some officials issue demand notes that do not align with the approved rate schedule and, in some cases, fail to provide the legally required notice period before demanding payment.
He further alleged that multiple fees including service charges, rental value, and ground rent are sometimes collected simultaneously, while some security personnel reportedly collect payments without issuing receipts.
“These practices affect business confidence and harm the relationship between traders and authorities,” Aquilino said.
The Chamber leaders called for dialogue and respect for established legal and constitutional processes, warning that continued disputes could disrupt trade and economic stability in Juba.