Crime and Security
Why Uganda and South Sudan Are Deepening Military Cooperation Amid Border Tensions
South Sudanese President Salva Kiir and visiting Ugandan Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba have held high-level talks aimed at strengthening regional stability, as both countries navigate unresolved border tensions and ongoing peacekeeping commitments.
According to a statement from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), the two leaders met in Juba on Saturday, where President Kiir praised Uganda for its role in maintaining peace in South Sudan. Uganda currently has troops deployed in the country at the request of the South Sudanese government, following violent clashes between rebel forces and government troops.
Gen. Kainerugaba reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to fostering stronger ties with Juba, stressing the importance of sustained collaboration for regional security. After the meeting, he toured the tactical headquarters of Operation Mlinzi Wa Kimya—Swahili for “Silent Guardian”—where he interacted with Ugandan soldiers and commanders overseeing the mission.
“These engagements underscore the deepening military and security partnership between Kampala and Juba,” the UPDF statement read, highlighting that the cooperation extends beyond peacekeeping to joint efforts in addressing emerging security threats.
The meeting comes on the heels of a deadly incident late last month, in which at least four soldiers were killed during clashes between Ugandan and South Sudanese troops in a disputed border area. The land in question lies between Uganda’s Yumbe and Moyo districts and South Sudan’s Kajo-Keji County, and has long been a source of friction between the two nations.
To ease tensions, Uganda and South Sudan have established a joint working committee tasked with finding a peaceful resolution to the dispute. The border talks aim to prevent further confrontations, which have in the past triggered both military standoffs and diplomatic concern.
By reinforcing military ties even as territorial negotiations continue, both Kampala and Juba are signalling their shared interest in preserving peace, stability, and cooperation in the region.
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