Authorities in Leer County, Unity State, have exempted sorghum from taxation in a move aimed at reducing food prices and easing the economic burden on residents.
The newly appointed Commissioner of Leer County, Major General James Kuol Tap Gai, announced on Monday that all sorghum imported into the county is now free from taxes. The exemption applies to sorghum brought in by local traders or individual consumers from Bentiu and other parts of Unity State, as well as from elsewhere in South Sudan.
“Sorghum imported from the state capital, Bentiu, or other parts of Unity State is exempted from taxation,” Commissioner Gai said in his interview with Radio Tamazuj.
He warned revenue and finance officials against violating the directive and urged traders and consumers to report any cases of illegal taxation to his office.
“I am asking traders and consumers to report to my office in case of any violations by revenue or finance offices in Leer County,” he added.
The decision follows complaints raised in December 2025 by residents and traders over multiple taxation points, which they said were driving up food prices and worsening economic hardship. Traders reported paying fees at several offices, including the finance office, taxation office, and the Criminal Investigation Department, pushing the price of one tin of sorghum to about 40,000 South Sudanese Pounds (SSP).
Local trader Koang Gatkuoth welcomed the exemption, saying it would help lower sorghum prices. He explained that under the previous administration, a sack of sorghum was taxed at 15,000 SSP, but the new policy has removed all charges.
“The taxation had been in place since August 2025,” Gatkuoth said, adding that the current price of a sack of sorghum stands at 450,000 SSP, but is expected to drop to between 350,000 and 400,000 SSP in the coming months.
Residents also praised the move, expressing hope that food prices will stabilize. Another resident, Duop Malual, said the commissioner’s directive would encourage traders to reduce prices across the county.
Leer County is among the areas severely affected by flooding, food shortages, and ongoing humanitarian challenges in Unity State.
