SPLM Secretary General (right) and UDA Secretary General (left) during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Juba on July 20, 2026.

By Awuou Michael

South Sudan’s ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) and Kenya’s ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) have signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation between the two political parties through institutional collaboration, leadership development, and joint programs.

The agreement commits both parties to deepening party-to-party relations by implementing shared programs and cadre training and development, while enhancing cooperation to support regional integration within the East African Community (EAC).

Speaking during the signing ceremony, SPLM Secretary General Dr. Akol Paul Khordit said the agreement represents a strategic partnership that will strengthen the institutional capacity of both parties.

“This Memorandum of Understanding is intended to strengthen, deepen and broaden our relations at the institutional level through shared programs, cadre training and development, and enhanced regional cooperation,” Akol said.

He said political parties have a critical role to play in advancing regional integration and promoting development through stronger institutional partnerships.

“We are now in the second phase of liberation. The focus is no longer political independence but economic emancipation, human dignity, and improving the living standards of our people,” he said.

Dr. Akol added that the partnership reflects the shared commitment of the SPLM and the UDA to strengthen cooperation between South Sudan and Kenya while supporting the East African Community integration agenda.

Meanwhile, the United Democratic Alliance Secretary General Hassan Omar Hassan described the agreement as part of a broader effort to reinforce cooperation among Africa’s governing political parties.

He emphasized that the agreement should produce practical cooperation between the two parties through deliberate joint programs.

“Our relationships must be deliberate. We want programs that are joint, targeted and focused on economic transformation because the true objective of liberation is improving the lives of our people,” he said.

Hassan also said the two parties would support one another in leadership development and election preparedness, including preparations for South Sudan’s general elections next year.

“This Memorandum of Understanding should translate into concrete action. Through stronger party cooperation, we can influence public policy, strengthen governance and deliver better outcomes for our citizens,” he said.

The five-year agreement establishes a framework for sustained cooperation between the SPLM and the UDA, with both parties committing to regular engagement, exchange of experience, cadre development and collaboration on programs aimed at strengthening political institutions and regional cooperation.