The Ministry of East African Community Affairs has expressed distress over the ongoing blockage of over 1,000 trucks at the Nimule border, citing South Sudan's new e-permit tax as the culprit.
The tax, ranging from $500 to $1,000 per truck, has brought trade to a standstill, pushing up prices of essential goods in Juba.
"We're deeply concerned about the impact on trade and the economy," Permanent Secretary Edith Mwanje said, appearing before Parliament's Public Accounts Committee (PAC). "The tax is crippling trade and pushing up prices of essential goods in Juba."
PAC Chair Gorreth Namugga led the committee in grilling the ministry officials, citing the hefty levy as a major obstacle to regional trade. "This is a serious issue affecting our trade and economy," Namugga said.
The committee also discussed Partner States' delayed subscription payments to the East African Community and the ongoing drafting of the EAC federation constitution.
The hearing turned awkward when members realized the ministry's responses were addressed to management instead of Parliament, prompting them to chase the officials out. "This is unacceptable," Namugga said, visibly frustrated.
