Japan Funds Media Development Ahead of 2026 Elections in South Sudan

(KAMPALA) – South Sudan and Japan have signed a three year project to support media development, freedom of expression and public access to information in the country.

The agreement was finalised on Tuesday 19 August 2025 between the Ministry of Information, Communication Technology and Postal Services and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Speaking at the signing ceremony in Kampala, the Ministry’s Undersecretary for Information, Mawien Bulabek, said the project will help finance the dissemination of the peace agreement and provide media coverage of the upcoming elections.

The programme includes capacity building for journalists, provision of essential media equipment and support to strengthen the country’s information services.

Undersecretary Bulabek said the project will begin in November 2025 and continue for three years to enhance South Sudan’s media landscape and ensuring accurate and responsible reporting during the electoral period.

JICA Senior Advisor for Peace Building and Governance, Hashimoto Keiichi, said the cooperation goes beyond government to government engagement and will also improve private media outlets. He highlighted that media organisations will be better equipped to report responsibly and professionally during the elections.

The signing ceremony was attended by major media and government leaders, including Director General of Information Victor Bullen Baba, President of the Union of South Sudan Journalists Oyet Patrick and AMDISS Chairperson Aya Irene.