(JUBA) – General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces of Uganda, engaged in significant discussions with South Sudanese President Salva Kiir on Saturday afternoon at the State House in Juba. The discussions centred on enhancing bilateral relations and advancing stability in the region.
General Kainerugaba arrived in Juba earlier that day and received a warm welcome at the Juba International Airport by his South Sudanese military counterpart. Following brief preliminary talks, the Ugandan general proceeded directly to the presidential palace for the meeting with President Kiir.
After the discussions with the president, General Kainerugaba paid a visit to the tactical headquarters of Operation Mlinzi Wa Kimya, which translates to “Silent Guardian” in Swahili. During his visit, he met with Ugandan troops and commanders overseeing the mission on South Sudanese territory.
Subsequently, the Ugandan commander engaged in further discussions with South Sudan’s Vice President, concentrating on security collaboration and the ongoing partnership between the two countries’ militaries.
Uganda has played a crucial role in supporting stability in South Sudan, particularly through the deployment of Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) troops at the request of the South Sudanese government. This deployment followed confrontations between government forces and rebel groups. Since Uganda’s intervention, peace has been restored in the affected regions.
President Salva Kiir conveyed his appreciation to General Kainerugaba for Uganda’s efforts in upholding peace in South Sudan, the youngest country in Africa. He commended the contributions of the UPDF to regional security and the peace-building process.
South Sudan remains a significant trade partner for Uganda, with Juba being one of the primary destinations for Ugandan exports such as construction materials, textiles, and other essential goods for South Sudan’s reconstruction endeavours.
General Kainerugaba, who also serves as Uganda’s Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, reiterated Uganda’s dedication to strengthening ties with South Sudan.
