The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) and the South Sudan Peoples’ Defence Forces (SSPDF) have pledged stronger cooperation to resolve recent security incidents along their shared border.
The commitment was made during a high-level meeting at the Defence and Intelligence headquarters in Mbuya, co-chaired by the UPDF Commander Land Force, Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga, and the SSPDF Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Dau Aturjong Nyuol. The dialogue followed an invitation from Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, after his recent visit to Juba where he met President Salva Kiir.
Lt Gen Muhanga emphasized the deep historical ties 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.
Addressing the recent border tensions, he stressed that dialogue, not confrontation, should guide both sides. “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, who conveyed greetings from President Kiir, reaffirmed South Sudan’s readiness to act jointly with Uganda. “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 produce enhanced coordination and practical joint measures to protect border communities from insecurity.
Senior officers present 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.
