SPLM delegation travel to Uganda for NRM conference
Analysts in Juba say the SPLM’s participation carries domestic weight at a time when South Sudan is preparing for its first post-independence general elections
By Emmanuel Mandella
A high-level delegation from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), headed by the Secretary General, Prof. Paul Logale Jumi, travelled to Kampala, Uganda on Tuesday to participate in the much-anticipated National Resistance Movement (NRM) Conference.
The gathering, which commenced last week on Wednesday at State House Entebbe, is expected to draw leaders from across the region, senior party officials, and observers to reflect on governance, political movements, and Africa’s future leadership.
Speaking to the media before departure, SPLM Secretary for Political Affairs, Bol Makueng, emphasized the significance of the mission.
“The SPLM and the NRM share a relationship built on history and trust. This goes beyond politics, it is about the liberation of our people and how we can continue to govern with responsibility. Our participation reflects the depth of our ties and our commitment to strengthen them for the benefit of our citizens,” Makueng said.
Analysts in Juba say the SPLM’s participation carries domestic weight at a time when South Sudan is preparing for its first post-independence general elections. The ruling party is facing pressure to reform, modernize, and regain the trust of ordinary citizens who remain focused on governance and quality service delivery.
Dr. Samuel Bith, a political commentator in Juba, said the trip comes at a “pivotal moment.”
“The SPLM is at a crossroads. It must prove it can transform from a liberation movement into a political institution ready for democratic competition. Observing the NRM’s strategies will help the SPLM prepare for elections while managing its internal reforms,” he noted.
The NRM has ruled Uganda for nearly four decades, relying on grassroots mobilization, party cohesion, and regional influence. For the SPLM, studying this model could help in reorganizing its political base.
On the streets of Yambio, reactions to the SPLM delegation’s visit were mixed. Some citizens welcomed the engagement, hoping it would bring practical lessons on governance and development.
Mary Paite, a market trader in Yambio open market, said she hopes the visit results in policies that improve people’s lives.
“We don’t just want political speeches. If the SPLM learns from Uganda how to organize properly, maybe they will deliver services such as roads, schools, and hospitals to us. That is what matters to us as ordinary citizens,” she said.
But others remain skeptical. James Oronzi, a boda-boda rider, expressed doubt that such trips benefit the people directly.
“These visits are good for politicians, but for us, we don’t see any change. We are still struggling with high prices and no jobs. The SPLM should focus on solving our problems here, not just the trips,” he argued.
This mix of hope and criticism reflects the challenge the SPLM faces: how to translate its strong regional alliances into tangible benefits for citizens who are demanding real change at home.
Party insiders say one of the SPLM’s goals is to study how the NRM has kept its grassroots structures alive for decades. There are expectations that the party could apply lessons in mobilizing youth and women, key demographics that will shape South Sudan’s political future.
Makueng hinted that the SPLM is particularly keen on learning about internal discipline, policy implementation, and voter engagement.
“South Sudan stands to benefit from this engagement. The NRM has demonstrated consistency in party organization. We want to adapt such lessons to strengthen our democratic journey and address the challenges our people face,” he said.
The SPLM delegation is expected to brief the nation on the outcomes of the conference upon their return. For many South Sudanese, the real measure of success will not be in the speeches exchanged in Kampala, but in whether the ruling party can renew itself to meet the aspirations of its citizens ahead of elections.
As one young university student in Juba who spoke to the City Review, Regina Duku, mentioned that.
“We know SPLM has history with NRM, but history is not enough. What we want now is a future of jobs for the youth, peace, and unity. If this visit helps them think about us, then it will be a good step.”
Such benchmarking fora have been common in political and governance spaces, with parties inviting regional and international players to learn various programs and processes key for streamlining governance.
SPLM, Chinese officials exchange ideas
Meanwhile, on Monday, August 25, a leading Chinese scholar and official met with over 200 members of the SPLM, where they shared insights from the President of the Asian country on the important facets of leadership, diplomacy and governance experiences of the Communist Party of China (CPC).
Mrs. Huo Ying, Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy, stated that CPC would like to strengthen people-to-people and idea exchanges with SPLM, an idea that was welcomed by the party’s Secretary General, Prof. Paul Logale Jumi and SPLM State Chairperson and Governor of Central Equatoria State, Rabi Mujung Emmanuel.
A look at interparty collaborations
Sources intimate that interparty collaborations and exchanges provide an opportunities for parties to facilitate information sharing and consultation between the parties involved.
Three years ago (in May, 2022), the Inter-governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) convened a conference in Adama Ethiopia to discuss African Inter-party dialogue mechanisms.
The workshop provided a platform for participants to exchange experiences, knowledge and insights on Inter-Party dialogue processes as well as create interface between the Inter-Party political parties’ structures and the selected regional intergovernmental organizations.
While such forums have enabled regional parties to share ideas and collaborate on various governance and party structure building mechanisms, it has been incumbent on the political vehicles to adopt reformists approaches to build strong, visionary parties that reflect on the national building agenda.
The biggest hurdle, observers say, has been on developing long-term parties that will live to celebrate decade-long anniversaries and not serve as political vehicles for getting power and dying immediately after the elections.
Some parties in Africa have, however, stood the test of time, juggling the challenges in governance and political dynamics to govern countries from generation to generation, acting as benchmarks for other countries/parties.
