By Faridah N Kulumba
Africa-Press – Uganda. Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) on 6th August 2022, agreed to form structures and share intelligence information on South Sudan rebels alleged to be hiding in Uganda disguised as refugees.
Representatives of the two countries
During the meeting that took place at the UPDF 4th Division Headquarters in Gulu City, Uganda was represented by Gen Wilson Mbadi, the UPDF Chief of Defence Forces, whereas Lt Gen James Koang Chuol, the SSPDF Deputy Chief of Defence Forces in charge of training and research represented South Sudan.
The agreement
In the agreement signed between the two countries, UPDF and SSPDF will also share intelligence information on the Uganda National People’s Liberation Armed Forces (UNPLAF) assumed to be operating in South Sudan and dissidents of the National Salvation Army hiding in Uganda. The agreement comes following the spillover of the UNPLAF and the National Salvation Army activities into Uganda and South Sudan.
Imputations
According to the SSPDF authorities, some Ugandans cross to South Sudan by disguising themselves as business people but with the intention of joining the National Salvation Army. When they encounter resistance, then they flee and hide in Uganda disguising themselves as refugees.
Objectives of the joint operations
The two nations agreed to work together to make sure whatever insecurity affecting them will be dealt with through sharing of information. Where it is necessary the two armies will join forces against the negative groups and also be strict on the refugee influx. The SSPDF will work with the UPDF to ensure that rebels disturbing the peace at the border are defeated.
Strengthening ties
Lt, Gen Chuol explained that the two neighbouring countries reaching this significant stage of willingness to solve the problems of their borders will end border conflicts between the two nations. Uganda says the two countries were looking forward to having a memorandum of understanding to help them cooperate at the border areas.
The August 2022 meeting was not the first meeting between Uganda and South Sudan’s army where they aimed to strengthen their relationship. Also in May this year the two army authorities and the communities that are living at the border, had a meeting in Madi Opei to strengthen their relationship.
Border clash between UPDF and SSPDF
In the past years, there have been several border clashes between Uganda’s army and South Sudan soldiers. In July 2022, four SSPDT soldiers and one National Police Service officer were shot and killed by the UPDF.
In June this year, the UPDF killed an SSPDF soldier and wounded two others after two forces clashed. South Sudan State officials accused the UPDF of encroaching into and carrying out food and mechanized patrols in South Sudan territory. The UPDF set up a base in the Chugi area of Owiny-Ki-Bul Payam. The move compelled the SSPDF to react. Resulting in an exchange of gunfire in which the SSPDF soldier was killed.
In October 2020 SSPDF reported that two of its soldiers were killed and another captured by the UPDF. The incident happened when UPDF entered South Sudan territory and opened fire on the SSPDF at the border town of Pogee.
Solutions
In January 2019, The government of Uganda and South Sudan formed a joint technical border committee of 26 members to resolve border tensions between the two neighbouring nations by demarcating borders. Uganda had 13 members and the other 13 members were South Sudanese. These 26 members were tasked to sensitize the people living along the border so that they know that the committee was informed to demarcate the border.
In 2015. Uganda and South Sudan formed an 18-member Joint Border Committee to start the demarcation to resolve-border disputes. Forming this committee followed accusations from both countries accusing each other of encroaching into their territories creating tensions among the border communities.
Border demarcation hindrances
Even though both countries have come up with solutions to solving border clashes by forming committees, these stalled due to a lack of funds according to the South Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. There was also limited time to enable the two countries to complete the sensitization exercise amongst the border communities.
The two nations’ bilateral ties
Uganda and South Sudan have been enjoying their diplomatic relationship for several years. Both nations have strong cultural, political and economic ties. Uganda is one of the leading exporters of goods to South Sudan. Over 150,000 Ugandan traders operate across the border, generating an estimated USD900 million in business. About 1,500 Ugandans work in South Sudan in the construction industry, and 1,200 Ugandan professionals are working with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in South Sudan.
Although the two nations are enjoying bilateral relationships, the issue of the border dispute that began in 2005 is still a challenge that brings conflicts and tension between the two governments and the community at large.
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