Guya Scopas Bethuel — The Juba City Council has passed the Juba City Council Property Tax Bylaw, 2026, a landmark piece of legislation aimed at strengthening the legal framework for property taxation, improving local revenue collection, and enhancing the delivery of municipal services.
The bylaw provides a clearer legal basis for the administration of property taxes, with city authorities saying it will help boost domestic revenue needed to support sustainable urban development across the capital.
Speaking after the bylaw was passed, Juba City Council Mayor Christopher Swaka commended the Chairperson of the Council, councillors, the executive, and technical teams for their professionalism and collaborative efforts in ensuring the successful adoption of the legislation.
According to the Mayor, revenue collected under the new legal framework will be invested in key public services, including road construction and maintenance, waste management and sanitation, urban planning and development, public safety, community services, and other essential municipal programmes aimed at improving the quality of life for residents.
Mayor Swaka clarified that the Property Tax Bylaw does not introduce a new tax but rather strengthens and formalizes the existing property tax system by providing it with a comprehensive legal framework.
He assured residents that implementation of the bylaw will be guided by the principles of transparency, accountability, fairness, and full compliance with the laws of the Republic of South Sudan.
The City Council said it remains committed to working closely with residents, the private sector, civil society organizations, and development partners to promote accountable governance and accelerate the development of a cleaner, safer, more resilient, and economically vibrant capital.
Christopher Swaka, the Mayor of Juba City Council (Photo credit: JCC)
The Council also thanked stakeholders for their continued support toward Juba’s development agenda and reaffirmed its commitment to improving public service delivery through effective local governance.
The passage of the Property Tax Bylaw, 2026, marks a significant step in the City’s efforts to strengthen municipal financing and improve essential public services for the growing population of Juba.