Bright Celebration in Juba
Juba’s Pyramid Continental Hotel glowed with colour on Friday as the Ugandan Embassy hosted a reception marking Uganda’s 63rd Independence Day, drawing ministers, diplomats and UN dignitaries to applaud six decades of self-determination and regional partnership.
Official Messages of Solidarity
Representing President Salva Kiir Mayardit, Under-Secretary Dr. Kuyok Abol Kuyok saluted President Yoweri Museveni’s “inspirational leadership” and assured Kampala of Juba’s unwavering goodwill.
He noted Uganda’s role in peace initiatives, education programmes and emergency support, framing the relationship as a cornerstone of East African stability.
Trade Bridges and Economic Aspirations
Trade featured prominently in speeches; Uganda remains South Sudan’s largest commercial partner, exporting food, manufactured goods and expertise along the bustling Nimule route.
Dr. Kuyok acknowledged the current trade imbalance and urged local entrepreneurs to seize agro-processing and service opportunities to narrow the gap while preserving Kampala’s trusted supply lines.
Cultural Performances Bind Communities
Between speeches, the room erupted with Bwola drum rhythms, lilting folk songs and a colourful showcase of Ugandan attire, reminding guests that cultural exchange often achieves what communiqués cannot.
Shared Vision for Peace and Integration
Uganda’s Ambassador, Brig.-Gen. Ronnie Balya, called the joint celebration “proof that solidarity is alive,” pledging deeper coordination in security operations along the shared border.
As glasses clinked, Dr. Kuyok conveyed President Kiir’s hope for expanded infrastructure links, echoing regional plans for roads, power grids and educational exchanges that tether communities more tightly than any frontier line.