Uganda will head to the polls on 15 January 2026 to elect the President and Members of Parliament, a major constitutional milestone for the country’s democratic process.
National Resistance Movement (NRM) supporters working as traders in South Sudan say preparations are underway to ensure they travel back home to participate in the elections. Many have expressed firm support for President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, whom they intend to vote for in the 2026–2031 term.
Speaking to journalists during President Museveni’s rally at Kirambi–Ruhinda in Mitooma District, Elias Mugagga, chairperson of the group, said there are more than 50,000 NRM-leaning Ugandan traders currently operating in South Sudan. He noted that they are coordinating with NRM leadership to ensure they return for voting, adding that hiring buses would be the most affordable transportation option.
Mugagga praised President Museveni for maintaining peace and stability in Uganda, saying the country remains one of the few places in the region where people can safely move from border to border even at night. He contrasted this with South Sudan, where he said night-time movement is often unsafe. He urged Ugandan voters, especially those working abroad, to recognize that Museveni is the candidate best positioned to preserve the country’s security.
Chandiru Sarah, an NRM mobilizer based in South Sudan, also emphasized the importance of encouraging Ugandan traders in the country to return home and vote. She noted that mobilisation efforts are in high gear and echoed Mugagga’s appreciation of the peace Uganda enjoys under President Museveni’s leadership.
Call for Government Support After Market Fire
Meanwhile, the traders have appealed to the Ugandan government particularly the Ministry of Disaster Preparedness to support them following a devastating fire that destroyed businesses in South Sudan.
According to Mugagga, the blaze wiped out shops and property belonging to roughly 120 Ugandan traders.
The fire broke out on Monday evening at Custom Market, Juba’s largest and oldest trading hub. Thick smoke filled the sky as the flames swept through sections of the market, destroying stalls and merchandise.
South Sudan’s Minister of Information and Communication, Ateny Awek Ateny, announced that the government has launched a full investigation into the cause of the fire.
“The government of the Republic of South Sudan will first investigate the reason why the fire actually gutted the whole area,” he said.
