Kampala – The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and South Sudan’s Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) have signed a cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening political collaboration, regional integration and socio-economic transformation between the two sister parties.
The agreement was formalised during a meeting between senior leaders of the two parties at the NRM headquarters in Kampala, where officials described the partnership as a continuation of the historical ties between Uganda and South Sudan.
Speaking during the engagement, NRM Secretary General Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong said the relationship between the two countries goes beyond diplomacy and is deeply rooted in shared history, blood ties and liberation struggles.
“Our relationship with South Sudan is born out of blood and association with many struggles. We have a very strong government-to-government relationship and an even stronger people-to-people relationship,” Todwong said.
He noted that many communities straddle both countries, particularly in northern Uganda and South Sudan, making the two nations socially and culturally interconnected.
“We consider Uganda and South Sudan as two homes for one people,” he added.
Todwong welcomed the delegation from South Sudan and praised the growing trade relations between the two countries, describing South Sudan as one of Uganda’s biggest export markets in the region.
He also thanked the Government of South Sudan for accommodating thousands of Ugandans who live and work there.
“We have always encouraged Ugandans living in South Sudan to respect the laws, pay taxes and remain disciplined. We appreciate the opportunity your country has given them,” he said.
The SPLM delegation was led by the party’s Secretary General, Dr. Akol Paul Kordit, who described the visit as a solidarity mission intended to formalise a naturally existing bond between the two nations.
The delegation, which arrived in Uganda ahead of President Yoweri Museveni’s inauguration ceremony, is also accompanied by South Sudanese President Salva Kiir.
“We are here to formalise a relationship that has always existed naturally between our people. Ugandans and South Sudanese are one people living in two countries,” Dr. Kordit said.
He said both the SPLM and NRM share common liberation movement backgrounds and should continue preserving the values that shaped their struggles.
“As we modernise, we must preserve the values of liberation, patriotism and service to the people. These are the ideals that inspire our movements,” he said.
Dr. Kordit pledged continued cooperation between the SPLM and NRM, saying the partnership would strengthen regional integration, social cooperation and economic transformation.
“Our two countries are not neighbours by accident; it is God’s choice. No one can alter that choice,” he stated.
The memorandum of understanding was presented by NRM Director of Legal Affairs Enoch Barata, who said the agreement seeks to establish structured cooperation between the two parties in leadership development, policy formulation, youth and women empowerment, resource mobilisation and communication.
According to Barata, the agreement also recognises the shared values of Pan-Africanism, liberation and socio-economic transformation that define both political organisations.
The memorandum further proposes the establishment of a joint committee to coordinate implementation and strengthen communication between the two parties.
John Baptist Lokii, the NRM Vice Chairperson for Karamoja, hailed the growing cooperation between Uganda and South Sudan, describing the partnership as a historic step toward strengthening political and ideological ties between the two countries.
He said the meeting symbolised a deepening relationship between the two liberation movements, noting that both parties share common values rooted in patriotism and Pan-Africanism.
Lokii also noted that the formal cooperation between the NRM and SPLM would help strengthen political, social and economic collaboration between Uganda and South Sudan.
He revealed that he was personally excited to receive the South Sudan delegation after being tasked by the NRM Secretariat to welcome them upon arrival in Uganda.
According to him, many of the names in the delegation sounded familiar and reflected the strong historical and cultural connections between communities in northern Uganda and South Sudan.
Lokii said the discussions between the two parties were not merely ceremonial but part of a serious and historic mission aimed at consolidating the long-standing cooperation that has existed between the NRM and SPLM over the years.
He praised President Museveni for championing patriotism and Pan-Africanism across the region, saying the same ideals are reflected in the SPLM’s political direction.
Lokii expressed confidence that the partnership would create a stronger platform for both parties to work together in serving the interests of the people of Uganda and South Sudan.
The engagement comes at a time when Uganda and South Sudan continue to strengthen bilateral relations in areas of security, trade and regional integration, with leaders from both countries emphasising the importance of political stability and ideological cooperation in East Africa.
Senior officials from both delegations attended the meeting, including members of the NRM Electoral Commission and the SPLM political affairs leadership.
