Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, recently visited South Sudan’s capital, Juba, where he held important talks with President Salva Kiir. The meeting took place at State House and focused on improving the relationship between the two countries and promoting peace and stability in the region. General Kainerugaba arrived in Juba early in the morning and was warmly welcomed at the airport by his South Sudanese counterpart.
After a brief exchange, the General proceeded to meet President Kiir at the presidential office. Their discussions emphasized the growing partnership between Uganda and South Sudan, especially in security and military cooperation. Following the presidential meeting, Gen Kainerugaba visited the tactical headquarters of Operation Mlinzi Wa Kimya, which means “Silent Guardian” in Swahili. Here, he met with Ugandan troops and commanders who are actively working to maintain peace in South Sudan.
The visit also included talks with South Sudan’s Vice President, where both leaders explored ways to strengthen security cooperation further. These engagements show the strong bond and trust developing between the two neighboring countries. Uganda has been a key supporter of South Sudan’s stability, especially through the deployment of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) at the South Sudanese government’s request. This intervention helped calm tensions after clashes between rebel groups and government forces.
President Kiir expressed his gratitude to Gen Kainerugaba and the UPDF for their crucial role in keeping peace in South Sudan, Africa’s youngest nation. Beyond security, South Sudan is an important trade partner for Uganda. Juba is one of the top markets for Ugandan goods, including construction materials, textiles, and other products.
Gen Kainerugaba, who also serves as Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to deepening the partnership with South Sudan. This visit is part of a wider effort by Gen Kainerugaba to strengthen Uganda’s ties across the region. Just recently, he held talks with the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Felix Tshisekedi, in Kinshasa, highlighting Uganda’s role in supporting peace and stability throughout East and Central Africa.
Overall, General Kainerugaba’s trip to Juba reflects Uganda’s dedication to working closely with its neighbors to build a safer and more prosperous region for all.
