UDA Delegation Concludes Successful Juba Mission with Solemn Tribute at Dr. John Garang Mausoleum
July 21, 2026
SPLM Secretary General Cde. Dr. Akol Paul Kordit welcomed UDA Secretary General Cde. Sen. Hassan Omar Hassan to pay tribute at the final resting place of the late SPLM Chairman, Cde. Dr. John Garang de Mabior, located at the Dr. John Garang Mausoleum.
The visit took place following the successful conclusion of the UDA delegation's mission to Juba, which included the official signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the SPLM.
SPLM SG briefed the delegation on the narrative and the tragic events of the fateful evening that led to the helicopter crash on Saturday, July 30, 2005, which claimed the life of Dr. Garang and the accompanying comrades while returning from a meeting with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni. This solemn visit carries profound significance, coming in July, the exact month of the incident, as the nation approaches the somber milestone marking 21 years since the tragedy.
The UDA SG acknowledged and appreciated the monumental work accomplished by the late leader of the SPLM during the struggle, extending his best wishes to all comrades in the SPLM and the people of South Sudan in their ongoing nation-building journey.
Reflecting on the party's leadership, Dr. Kordit expressed profound gratitude to Chairman Comrade Salva Kiir Mayardit for successfully filling the leadership vacuum during the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), ultimately delivering the independence of the Republic on July 9, 2011.
"Although the physical presence of Dr. John Garang is deeply missed, Comrade Salva Kiir Mayardit delivered independence, establishing the Republic as an independent, sovereign nation respected among the nations of the world, and through this milestone, the people of South Sudan officially exited a life of oppression and marginalization where they were once treated as second-class citizens," said Dr. Kordit.
While the nation continues to navigate the challenges of nation- and state-building, Cde. Dr. Akol Paul Kordit noted that these are the trials of a sovereign country free from subjugation based on religion or color. Standing united as citizens, they remain committed to keeping their flag flying high as a beacon of peace, reconciliation, and unity in the country.