By Faridah N Kulumba
Africa-Press – Uganda. The Uganda ‘Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Muhoozi Kainerugaba held closed-door talks with the president of South Sudan Salva Kiir on 9th August.in Juba focusing on strengthening bilateral relations and regional stability. The discussions came at a time when the two nations navigated a fragile security alliance following recent deadly clashes along their shared border. On 28th July, the latest fighting involving heavy artillery erupted in Kajo-Keji County between Uganda and South Sudanese troops over demarcations in disputed border regions, leading to the death of at least four soldiers, according to official reports from both sides. After the clash between the two nations’ army, Uganda sent additional troops and tanks to its border with South Sudan. Kajo-Keji County Commissioner Wani Jackson Mule confirmed more deployment of military forces in the area from both sides
The high-level meeting
Uganda’s military chief, also First Son, confirmed his visit to Juba in a statement he posted on X, saying that the president of Uganda Yoweri Kaguta Museveni had sent him to meet Kiir in person to resolve the dispute. “Mzee has sent me to meet with my Uncle Afande Salvar Kiir soon. I will go and meet my boss in Juba, and we shall resolve the issues,” he said. According to the officials, the discussions focused on cooperation. The visit marked the second high-level Ugandan military delegation to Juba in a week, following a trip by Deputy Defence Chief Lt. General. Sam Okiding, who inspected Ugandan troops stationed near the capital. Gen Kainerugaba, who is also the Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to fostering stronger ties with South Sudan. After meeting President Kiir, the CDF visited the tactical headquarters of Operation Mlinzi Wa Kimya, a Swahili phrase meaning “Silent Guardian,” where he interacted with Ugandan troops and commanders overseeing the mission. Muhoozi also held discussions with South Sudan’s vice president, and further discussed security cooperation.
Uganda’s involvement in South Sudan issues
Uganda has played a key role in supporting South Sudan’s stability, including the UPDF’s deployment at the request of the South Sudanese government following clashes between rebel forces and government troops. In March 2025, the UPDF was deployed in neighbouring South Sudan over fears the country could descend into civil war after tensions between President Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar were boiling again as the power-sharing deal unravelled, leading to clashes.
The two signed a peace deal in 2018 to bring a five-year civil war to an end but early this year, tensions rose again, prompting UPDF to deploy in the continent’s youngest nation to help secure the government in Juba. Thanks to the UPDF’s intervention, calm has since been restored. During General Muhoozi’s visit to Juba, President Kiir expressed appreciation to him for Uganda’s role in maintaining peace in Africa’s youngest nation, acknowledging the UPDF’s contributions to regional security. In March while Muhoozi was justifying why the UPDF was deployed to South Sudan, Muhoozi said that any move against President Salva Kiir would be considered a declaration of war against Uganda. “We, the UPDF, only recognize ONE President of South Sudan, H.E. Salva Kiir. He is our ‘Afande’ even in UPDF because he is the younger brother of Mzee! Any move against him is a declaration of war against Uganda!” said Muhoozi.
Results of the high-level engagements
Uganda’s CDF and his South Sudanese counterpart agreed to immediately form a joint investigation committee to probe deadly clashes along the nations shared border particularly in Kajo-Keji County, Central Equatorial State. The 14 member committee made up of equal representatives from both countries ‘armies will be based in Northern Uganda and tasked with uncovering the root causes of the 28th border clash that displaces over 15,000 people from border villages. Both Uganda and Sudanese top military chiefs also discussed ways to ease the worsening security situation along the border. According to Major General Lul Ruai Koang, the committee will be supported by a dedicated budget to ensure it can operate effectively. Once the investigation is underway General Dau will travel to Uganda for a reciprocal visit. The appointed committee will submit its findings, and recommendations to both Uganda and Sudanese army chiefs.
“They will forward their findings and recommendations to the two principals so that they are in a position to make an informed decision on finding a lasting political solution to their current border issues,” Koang said. Jessy Allan Oulanya, a Ugandan journalist living along the Uganda and South Sudanese border while analysing the border clash issues, told Africa-Report that a peaceful resolution of the border disputes between the neighbouring countries is a key issue in avoiding further violence and consolidate the economic and political ties between South Sudan and Uganda. Both countries will mutually benefit more, in terms of increasing trade, security cooperation, and regional stability. To achieve the settlement amicably, both parties need to make concessions for the sake of reaching an agreement. And that this will set a positive precedent for other African countries that face similar challenges.
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