The Ugandan community in Yambio, South Sudan’s Western Equatoria State, celebrated Uganda’s 63rd independence anniversary on Thursday, with leaders highlighting their role in the local economy.
The event, held under the national theme “63 Years of Independence: A Reason to Double Our Efforts in Sustaining a United and Progressive Nation,” brought together Ugandan nationals, South Sudanese officials and community members.
The gathering featured traditional dances, speeches and prayers commemorating Uganda’s independence from British colonial rule on Oct. 9, 1962.
Hassan Mutawee, the leader of the Ugandan community in Western Equatoria State, said Ugandans in Yambio are active in farming, trade, education and health services.
“We are proud to contribute to development in Yambio as traders, teachers, farmers and health workers. We act as ambassadors of Uganda in the diaspora and promote education wherever we are,” Mutawee said.
He urged Ugandans living in South Sudan to behave professionally, respect local laws and participate in peacebuilding. He also thanked local authorities for their hospitality.
“I also urge Ugandans here to stay united, register with local authorities and support one another, especially the vulnerable among us,” he added.
Ann Tuna Richard, speaker of the Western Equatoria State Transitional Legislative Assembly, praised the community’s patriotism.
“We appreciate both President Salva Kiir Mayardit and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for maintaining strong bilateral relations between South Sudan and Uganda. Uganda continues to support South Sudan in education and trade, and we are grateful,” Tuna said.
She called for strengthened cooperation on immigration to ease movement between the two countries.
Grace Apollo Musa, the state’s chairperson for economic affairs, noted the long-standing friendship, pointing out that many South Sudanese were educated in Uganda during the civil war.
“We learned from Uganda the value of quality education, and we are proud to have Ugandan teachers helping to educate our children,” Musa said.
Several Ugandan residents in Yambio told Radio Tamazuj they feel at home in South Sudan and are grateful for the hospitality and fair treatment they receive while working in business, education and other sectors.
The celebration was attended by senior state officials, representatives of the Azande Kingdom and community leaders. It concluded with cultural performances celebrating the unity and shared aspirations of both nations.
The size of the Ugandan community in Yambio is not known, as no official figures have been released.
Relations between South Sudan and Uganda are generally strong, though sometimes complicated by border disputes and competition between local and Ugandan traders.