South Sudan Petitions URA over Oraba Customs Fuel Ban

Oraba – Kaya, Uganda | THE BLACK EXAMINER | Officials in South Sudan’s Central Equatoria State have renewed their call for the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) to lift the ban on fuel transportation at the Oraba-Kaya customs border point.

Last April, URA implemented the ban at the Oraba-Kaya Border in Koboko district to combat rampant smuggling, particularly of fuel, which was being sold at lower prices in the Ugandan market.

Joseph Mawa, the Commissioner of Morobo County in Central Equatoria State, expressed how the fuel transit ban severely affected health facilities and schools in the region. These institutions rely on generators for power, which run on fuel.

Emmanuel Adil Anthony, the Governor of Central Equatoria State, emphasized the need for both countries to promote trade harmony and ensure consistency in fuel transportation. He urged the Ugandan government to expedite the reopening of the Oraba Border for fuel transit, similar to how they resolved customs issues at the Afoji border point in Moyo district.

Ashraf Mambo, the LCV Chairperson in Koboko, called for South Sudan to implement strict measures to prevent fuel from being smuggled back into Uganda, which negatively impacts local fuel station operators.

Ibrahim Bbossa, the URA Spokesperson, suggested that South Sudanese authorities should address their concerns by petitioning the URA Commissioner General.

According to URA data, approximately 9,600 liters of fuel are smuggled into Uganda through porous borders annually, resulting in an estimated loss of 5 billion shillings for the country.

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