The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) and the South Sudan Peoples’ Defence Forces (SSPDF) have renewed their commitment to joint efforts in addressing recent security challenges along the shared border.
The pledge was made during a high-level meeting at the Defence and Intelligence headquarters in Mbuya, co-chaired by UPDF Commander Land Force Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga and SSPDF Chief of Defence Forces Gen Dau Aturjong Nyuol.
The meeting followed an invitation from Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, to his South Sudanese counterpart after his recent visit to Juba, where he met President Salva Kiir. Discussions centred on enhancing cooperation and implementing stronger security measures along the Uganda–South Sudan border.
Speaking on behalf of Gen Kainerugaba, Lt Gen Muhanga reaffirmed the historical bonds between the two armies. “All the struggles in the past that the SPLA went through, we were together. Even here in Uganda, during our struggles against the rebels of Joseph Kony, the South Sudan Defence Forces stood with us,” he said.
On the recent border tensions, Lt Gen Muhanga emphasised dialogue over confrontation. “We need to approach this maturely and solve this problem. I am confident our discussions will find a remedy for the misunderstandings, which are not between the two governments nor the two armies,” he added.
Gen Nyuol, delivering greetings from President Kiir, assured Uganda of South Sudan’s readiness for joint action. “Joining hands in joint operations will maintain security. Even the spoiler will not be given room to cause havoc to our local population along the border. We will come out with something that can rescue the security and let our people live in good harmony,” he said.
The meeting is expected to pave the way for enhanced coordination and concrete joint measures to safeguard communities along the border.
Senior officers in attendance included Maj Gen Francis Takirwa, Deputy Commander Land Force; Maj Gen Richard Otto, Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security; Maj Gen Felix Busizoori, Commander 4 Infantry Division; Brig Gen Moses Wandera, Joint Staff Legal Services; and other senior officers from both forces.
