By Louis Loku
The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) has intensified its grassroots mobilisation drive in Juba County as it ramps up preparations for South Sudan’s anticipated 2026 general elections.
The county swore in a new team of party officials and tasked them with strengthening the movement across the county.
The newly appointed officials, who will serve in the Juba County Secretariat, payam leadership, and block structures, were urged to immediately begin organising local party structures, recruiting new members, and expanding political education to position the ruling party for victory in the forthcoming polls.
Addressing the officials during the swearing-in ceremony, the SPLM Chairperson for Juba County, Cde. George Pitia Stephen described their appointments as a responsibility to serve the party and the people rather than a privilege.
He congratulated the new office bearers, saying they had earned the confidence of the party through their dedication, loyalty, and commitment to advancing the SPLM’s objectives.
“You deserve these positions because of your dedication to the party. The SPLM assigns responsibilities based on where members are needed most, and every cadre must remain loyal and disciplined regardless of the level of assignment,” Pitia said.
He emphasised that the party’s immediate priority is to strengthen its grassroots structures ahead of the country’s scheduled elections, calling on the officials to return to their respective areas and actively mobilise communities.
“Our mission is clear. Go back, organise the party, recruit members, train them, and prepare them for victory in the coming elections,” he said.
Pitia warned members against engaging in internal divisions or making statements that undermine the party, saying unity would be critical to achieving the SPLM’s electoral ambitions.
“There is no difference between an SPLM member who campaigns against the party and the opposition. We must remain united because we are preparing for elections,” he cautioned.
He further instructed the newly appointed leaders to engage all sections of society, including women, youth, veterans, and long-serving party members, noting that inclusive participation would strengthen the SPLM’s grassroots support.
Pitia also announced plans to establish a regular platform for engaging party veterans, describing them as an important pillar in preserving the movement’s history and contributing to its future success.
According to him, Juba County has been entrusted with delivering overwhelming support for the SPLM and its presidential candidate in the 2026 elections.
“Our assignment is to ensure that the SPLM wins the elections and that President Salva Kiir Mayardit secures victory. We believe peace, development, education, and better services can only be achieved through a strong SPLM government,” he said.
The county chairperson encouraged the new officials to familiarise themselves with the SPLM Constitution and manifesto, stressing that every leader is expected to uphold the party’s principles, discipline, and values while carrying out their responsibilities.
He also reminded members that leadership positions within the SPLM are temporary and subject to change, urging them to embrace future appointments and reassignments in good faith while maintaining unity.
“Change is inevitable. What matters is your commitment to the party. Do not divide members or create factions. Work with every SPLM member because unity is our strength,” Pitia added.
Speaking on behalf of the newly appointed officials, Michael Ladu Cirilo, the newly appointed SPLM chairperson for Rajaf Payam, thanked the party leadership for the confidence placed in them and pledged to work tirelessly to strengthen the movement at the grassroots.
“On behalf of all the appointed leaders, I sincerely thank the party for the confidence it has placed in us. We did not choose ourselves; it is the party that selected and entrusted us with this responsibility,” Ladu said.
He pledged that the new officials would faithfully serve Juba County, Central Equatoria State, and the Republic of South Sudan under the guidance of the party leadership.
“We are here to serve and to do everything within our ability for the good of our county and our state. We are ready to work under your leadership and that of our governor and the leadership of our country,” he said.
Ladu acknowledged that preparations for the upcoming elections come with significant responsibilities but said the newly appointed officials were ready to deliver on the party’s expectations.
“I know this is not an easy time, but we were appointed to help make the 2026 elections successful. We are ready to work tirelessly to ensure the party succeeds,” he said.
He assured the leadership that all the newly appointed officials would dedicate themselves to strengthening the SPLM through grassroots mobilisation, political education, and community engagement.
“I assure you that all those appointed are capable and ready to serve. We will do everything within our knowledge and ability for the good of our state and our country,” he added.
The swearing-in ceremony brought together newly appointed officials from the Juba County SPLM Secretariat, payam leadership, and block structures as part of the party’s ongoing reorganisation aimed at strengthening its grassroots structures and improving electoral preparedness.
The ceremony comes at a time when political parties are stepping up preparations following the National Elections Commission’s announcement that South Sudan’s general elections will be held on 22 December 2026. The electoral timetable has prompted parties to reorganise their structures and intensify grassroots activities after years of political transition.
The SPLM has since reaffirmed its readiness for the polls, directing its structures across the country to strengthen mobilisation, recruit new members, and expand political education as part of efforts to retain its political dominance.
The reorganisation of county, payam, and block leadership forms part of the party’s broader strategy to consolidate support ahead of what is expected to be South Sudan’s first general elections under the agreement.