The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) and the South Sudan Peoples’ Defence Forces (SSPDF) have affirmed their commitment to working together in addressing recent security incidents along the shared border, according to a statement from the Directorate of Defence Public Information at Uganda’s Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MODVA).
The decision was made during a high level meeting held at the Defence and Intelligence headquarters in Kampala’s Mbuya suburb. 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.
Tensions arose on 28 July when fighting broke out in South Sudan’s Kajo-Keji County, with Uganda accusing South Sudanese troops of trespassing into the West Nile region and refusing to withdraw. Conversely, South Sudanese officials claimed that Ugandan soldiers launched a surprise attack across the border, resulting in the death of five of their troops. Following the conflict, thousands of South Sudanese people were displaced from their homes.
The meeting was convened after Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, extended an invitation to his South Sudanese counterpart, Gen Aturjong, following his recent visit to Juba, where he held discussions with President Salva Kiir.
The focus of the meeting was to bolster cooperation and enhance security measures along the Uganda–South Sudan border.
Lt Gen Muhanga, representing Gen Kainerugaba, emphasised the historic relationship between the two armed forces. He stated, “We have supported each other through various challenges in the past, and it is crucial that we work together to resolve the current border issues.”
Addressing the recent border tensions, Lt Gen Muhanga advocated for dialogue as the preferred approach to resolving conflicts. He expressed confidence that the discussions would lead to a resolution of misunderstandings that do not involve the two governments or their armies.
Gen Aturjong, conveying greetings from President Kiir, reiterated South Sudan’s dedication to collaborative efforts. He highlighted the importance of joint operations in maintaining security and preventing disruptions along the border.
The meeting is anticipated to result in improved coordination and joint actions to protect border communities. Senior officers from both forces were in attendance, including 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.
