KAMPALA.The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and South Sudan’s Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The MoU aims at strengthening political cooperation, regional integration and socio-economic transformation between the two parties.
The agreement was signed during a meeting between NRM officials and an SPLM delegation at the ruling party’s headquarters in Kampala on Monday, ahead of NRM national chairperson and Uganda President Museveni swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday ,May 12 .
Speaking during the meeting, NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong described Uganda and South Sudan as “one people in two countries,” citing the historical, cultural, and economic ties between the neighbouring states.
“Our relationship with South Sudan is born in blood and association on many fronts. We have strong government-to-government and people-to-people relations,” Mr Todwong said.
He noted that Uganda remains one of South Sudan’s biggest trading partners in the East African region, with many Ugandans working and doing business in the world’s youngest nation.
“Uganda exports more goods to South Sudan than any other East African country,” he said, adding that many Ugandans are employed in South Sudan.
Mr Todwong also recalled the support President Museveni received from Ugandans living in South Sudan during the recent election campaigns.
“During the campaigns, a delegation of Ugandans from South Sudan came back home to campaign for President Museveni,” he added.
The SPLM Secretary General, Dr Paul Okol, said the agreement formalises a long-standing relationship between the two liberation movements and reflects their shared political values and historical struggle.
“This is one people in two countries, the Ugandans and South Sudanese. We are here on a solidarity mission to stand shoulder to shoulder with the NRM,” Dr Okol said.
He added that both parties are rooted in liberation ideologies centred on unity, regional cooperation, and transformation.
NRM Director for Legal Affairs Enoch Baraka said the memorandum seeks to establish frameworks for continuous human capital development and strengthen the capacity of both parties to drive structural and systemic transformation in their respective societies.
“The agreement will strengthen party capacity to develop policies, empower women and youth, mobilise resources for mutual benefit and improve inter-party communication systems,” Mr Baraka said.
According to Mr Baraka, the memorandum also recognises the shared principles of Pan-Africanism and socio-economic transformation between the two parties.
He added that the pact proposes the establishment of a joint committee to coordinate and enhance cooperation between the NRM and SPLM.
The signing of the agreement comes as Kampala hosts several regional delegations arriving for President Museveni’s swearing-in ceremony scheduled for Tuesday .