The Uganda Peoples’ Defense Forces (UPDF) and the South Sudan Peoples’ Defense Forces (SSPDF) have agreed to enhance their collaboration to address recent security challenges along their shared border.
UPDF in a statement said the commitment was made during a high-level meeting held at the Defence and Intelligence headquarters in Mbuya, Uganda.
The meeting was co-chaired by the UPDF Commander Land Force, Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga, and the SSPDF Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Dau Aturjong Nyuol.
It followed an invitation from Uganda’s Chief of DefenceForces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, to his South Sudanese counterpart, an initiative that came after Gen Kainerugaba’srecent visit to Juba where he met with President Salva Kiir.
Discussions at the meeting focused on reinforcing cooperation and security protocols along the Uganda-South Sudan border.
Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga, speaking on behalf of Gen Kainerugaba, emphasized the deep historical ties between the two nations’ 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 stated.
Addressing the recent border tensions in Kajo-Keji County, Central Equatoria State with the neighboring Uganda’s YumbeDistrict, Lt. Gen. Muhanga called for a diplomatic approach, stressing that the issues were not between the two governments or their respective militaries.
“We need to approach this maturely and solve this problem. I am confident our discussions will find a remedy for the misunderstandings,” he added.
Gen Dau Aturjong Nyuol, who conveyed greetings from President Salva Kiir, reaffirmed South Sudan’s dedication to 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,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the meeting would result in measures to “rescue the security and let our people live in good harmony.”
The meeting, which included several senior officers from both forces, is expected to pave the way for enhanced coordination and joint operations to better safeguard communities living along the border.