South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Jenifer James
The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) and Uganda’s ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party, led by President Yoweri Museveni, have formalized a cooperation agreement aimed at enhancing the ideological training of South Sudanese leaders.
The training will take place at Uganda’s National Leadership Institute in Kyankwanzi, a renowned center for political leadership education.
The agreement was signed during a high-level meeting on Saturday, which included senior leaders from both parties.
The NRM delegation was led by Secretary-General Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong and National Treasurer Amb. Barbara Nekesa. The SPLM team was headed by Bol Makueng Youl, SPLM’s Secretary for External Relations, and was joined by Dr. John Oryem, SPLM Secretary for Training and Research, Antipas Nyok Kucha, Deputy Principal of the Political School, and Dennis Marial Mourwel, Director of the Political Desk.
Following the discussions, Todwong emphasized the importance of ideological training for SPLM leaders.
“The secretariat pledges to facilitate the training of our brothers and sisters as a contribution to the growth of multiparty democracy in the world’s youngest nation,” said Todwong.
Todwong emphasized the NRM’s commitment to strengthening political cohesion and leadership capacity within South Sudan through this collaboration.
The discussions also extended beyond leadership training to potential areas of cooperation between the two countries.
Todwong noted that Uganda and South Sudan are looking to enhance socio-economic empowerment for their citizens through improved cross-border trade.
He noted the need for “cross-border trade without barriers” as a means to foster mutual economic growth.
Bol Makueng Youl expressed his gratitude for Uganda’s continued support of South Sudan, not just during the country’s struggle for independence but also in its current nation-building efforts. He commended the NRM for standing by South Sudan during difficult times.
“You were by our side when we fought for self-determination, and you have continued to be by our side in defense, building the national economy, and democracy,” said Makueng.
“We look forward to actualizing the training of our cadres to ensure ideologically grounded people run the party to move the country forward,” he added.
Amb. Barbara Nekesa, NRM National Treasurer, also emphasized the mutual benefits of the partnership, saying that the NRM was eager to learn from the SPLM’s experiences to enhance its own political operations.
“We are ready to learn new ideas on how the SPLM runs its political business to improve mobilization and service delivery to the people,” she remarked.
Nekesa further called for peaceful dialogue in South Sudan, urging the SPLM to engage with opposition groups to resolve conflicts.
“We encourage dialogue between SPLM’s leadership and those opposed to the government to reach ceasefire agreement and work towards peace for the common interest of the citizens,” she said.
This agreement marks a significant step in the ongoing collaboration between Uganda and South Sudan, reinforcing the two nations’ commitment to strengthening leadership and democracy in the region.