President Salva Kiir says the country will hold a referendum on the permanent constitution within the next three years of his term in office.

The SPLM in Opposition wants federalism to be included in the constitution as the system of governance instead of decentralization.

The President says the vote will determine the content the constitution.

He says his government has developed a three point-strategy for the next three years, to bringing peace and stability in the country.

They include improving security and making reforms within the ruling SPLM party. Kiir spoke an occasion marking the fourth independence anniversary in Juba.

“The strategy of my government in regard to peace and stability include three major goals; immediate, mid-term, and long term goals. Our major goal after the realization of peace and stability within the country is to conduct elections within the extended period,” President Kiir told over 5,000 celebrants.

“By that time, you will be able to elect your leaders in free and fair process. We also expect to complete the constitutional review process within the timeframe, and conduct a referendum where we shall adopt the provisions of our permanent constitution.”

Thousands of people turned out in several state capitals across the country today for the Independence Day events.

They tried to shake off the gloom of the current conflict to celebrate the country’s birthday.

The Ugandan President, Yoweri Museveni, was the only head of state in Juba to join the country in celebrating the day.

He says his country will continue to support South Sudan until it finds a lasting solution to the conflict.

He said Uganda does not support the idea of handing over the governance of South Sudan to a foreign entity.

“I cannot come and say I’ll take over your family because you have got problems in your family,” President Museveni analogically said.

“Now, that’s what I see when I hear all these comments by so many players; they seem to want to take over the family of our brothers who have problems in their families instead of helping our brothers solve their problems.

“Uganda does not support those high handed approaches. Therefore, I want to extend my solidarity to the people of South Sudan. As it was in the past, so it is now, and it will be in the future.”

Uganda has its forces, the UPDF deployed in the country since the outbreak of the conflict in 2013.

President Museveni also urged the people of South Sudan to desist from the idea of tribalism.

He says it promotes enmity among the various tribes.

“The ideology of tribalism is pseudo; it is not correct,” he added. “This idea of sectarianism, of religion, of tribe is a wrong ideology. It is a false ideology.”

In Yambio, the capital of Western Equatoria, people marched along the streets to the Freedom square to celebrate the day.

Similar events were held in Eastern Equatoria, Jonglei, Warrap, Western Bhar al-Ghazal and Northern Bhar al-Ghazal States.