SPLM SG Witnesses Swearing-In Ceremony of Upper Nile State SPLM Chairperson

Tuesday, May 19, 2026 — SPLM House. SPLM Secretary General Comrade Dr. Akol Paul Kordit officially joined the upper echelon of party leadership to witness the swearing-in ceremony of Comrade Chuol Koang Ranley as the new Upper Nile State SPLM Chairperson.

The ceremony was chaired by SPLM First Deputy Chairman Cde. Prof. James Wani Igga, alongside Second Deputy Chairperson Cde. Mary Apai Ayiga and Third Deputy Chairperson Cde. Simon Kun Pouch, drawing members of the Political Bureau and National Liberation Council.

During the ceremony, SPLM Political Bureau member Cde. Stephen Diu reflected on the hardships and displacement endured by the people of Upper Nile State, calling for the appointment to mark a new chapter centred on peace, forgiveness, and reconciliation.

Upon taking his oath, the newly sworn-in Chairperson, Cde. Chuol Koang Ranley, expressed gratitude to H.E. Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit, Chairman of the SPLM, for his reappointment. Cde. Koang pledged his commitment to promoting peace across all 13 counties, delivering public services, and preparing the state for grassroots congresses ahead of the December General Elections.

SPLM SG Cde. Dr. Akol Paul Kordit congratulated Cde. Koang on behalf of the National Secretariat.

Cde. Dr. Kordit underscored the strategic and economic importance of Upper Nile State, noting its position as a national gateway bordering both Sudan and Ethiopia. He also expressed concern over the humanitarian situation faced by citizens, particularly in Nasir County, and pledged that the National Secretariat would support the state leadership in restoring peace and security across the region.

Cde. Kordit further expressed appreciation to SPLM Chairman H.E. Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit for his leadership during the 43rd Anniversary of SPLA Day and thanked SPLM members, allied political parties, diplomats, youth and women’s leagues, veterans, wounded heroes, and the public for their participation.

He noted that the massive turnout at Juba National Stadium demonstrated that the SPLM remains vibrant and widely supported. He added that the party is revitalising its structures ahead of the third National Convention and the upcoming General Elections.

The Secretary General directed the Upper Nile State leadership to intensify grassroots mobilisation, organise political rallies, conduct leadership cadre training, and strengthen recruitment efforts.

Third Deputy Chairman Cde. Simon Kun Pouch urged the new chairperson to avoid divisive politics, engage grassroots communities, and promote unity through regular consultation with state leaders.

First Deputy Chairman Cde. Prof. James Wani Igga called for inclusive leadership embracing all five communities in the state and reminded the leadership to uphold the SPLM constitutional quotas of 35 percent representation for women and 20 percent for youth.

Drawing from his experience as caretaker governor of Upper Nile State following the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, Prof. Igga advised the new chairperson to revitalise the local economy by developing the Gum Arabic and fisheries sectors, restoring river transport, improving local revenue collection, ensuring budget transparency, and strengthening the rule of law to improve service delivery.

The SPLM National Secretariat reaffirmed its support for Comrade Chuol Koang Ranley as he takes on the responsibility of promoting unity, rebuilding institutions, and strengthening Upper Nile State for the SPLM and the Republic of South Sudan.