Dear Hon. Balaam Barugahara,
Greetings from Juba. I’m writing this message to you not out of anger, but from a place of deep concern and brotherhood.
As a South Sudanese, I recently watched the clip circulating online where you made comments about our military, specifically accusing South Sudan of being a place where one can simply walk into markets like Konyokonyo or Sherikat, buy military ranks, and crown themselves generals.
To be honest with you, those words were hurtful, and I say this not just for myself, but on behalf of many South Sudanese who feel disappointed. As a leader, and more so as a Minister of Youth and Children Affairs in Uganda, your words carry weight. What you say, especially about a neighboring country, can either build bridges or burn them.
Let me be clear: if you were misinformed, we understand. That happens. But it’s important to verify sensitive information before making it public. And if you saw it with your own eyes, then we invite you to come forward with concrete evidence. Otherwise, statements like these fuel stereotypes and harm regional cooperation.
Now, allow me to speak to you as a brother. Uganda and South Sudan share more than a border, we share culture, trade, family ties, and a dream for a united East Africa. As such, diplomacy, respect, and understanding must be the foundation of our relationship. Criticism, when necessary, should be constructive, not demeaning.
What makes this even more complex is that you have business interests here in South Sudan, including Radio One 87.9 FM, which has been operating in Juba since around 2019. Located in the heart of Konyokonyo, this station has played an important role in local media. Yet it’s ironic that you would call out the very community that hosts your business with such sweeping statements. If your information came from your station’s team, I’d urge a deeper internal review. And if not, perhaps a public clarification, or even an apology, would go a long way in calming the waters.
I’m relieved that our Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded swiftly. But beyond government statements, we need to speak to one another with the decency that being neighbours demands. You’re a young, influential figure in the region. Use that voice to promote peace, not division.
Let’s correct the course. Let’s remember that every word spoken in public echoes across borders. And let’s choose to build, not break. Ku Salaam, Mirembe Sebo!
Sincerely,
Majak Daniel Kuany Alier
Secretary General,
Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS)