The UPDF Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has held high-level talks with South Sudanese President Salva Kiir in Juba, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations, enhancing regional stability, and deepening military cooperation.
Gen Kainerugaba, who is also the Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, arrived in Juba on Saturday morning and was welcomed at Juba International Airport by his South Sudanese counterpart.
Following brief discussions at the airport, the CDF proceeded to State House for a meeting with President Kiir. The two leaders reviewed ongoing security collaborations and explored new areas for partnership between Kampala and Juba.
After the presidential meeting, Gen Kainerugaba visited the tactical headquarters of Operation Mlinzi Wa Kimya—Swahili for “Silent Guardian”—where he interacted with commanders and Ugandan troops deployed in South Sudan.
The mission was launched at the request of the South Sudanese government to help stabilise the country following clashes between rebel forces and government troops.
Later, Gen Kainerugaba met South Sudan’s Vice President for further discussions on regional peace and security.
President Kiir commended Uganda for its unwavering role in maintaining peace in Africa’s youngest nation, praising the UPDF for restoring calm in conflict-affected areas. Uganda remains one of South Sudan’s key security partners, with the two nations also enjoying robust trade ties.
Juba is among the leading destinations for Ugandan exports, including construction materials, textiles, and other goods.
Gen Kainerugaba reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to supporting South Sudan’s peace-building efforts and strengthening economic cooperation.
His visit follows recent diplomatic engagements with regional leaders, including talks with DRC President Félix Tshisekedi in Kinshasa, as part of Uganda’s broader push for continental stability.
UPDF troops were in March deployed to South Sudan following renewed clashes between government forces and rebel groups that threatened to destabilize the fragile peace in the young nation. The South Sudanese government formally requested Uganda’s assistance to support peacekeeping efforts and help restore security.
The deployment, known as Operation Mlinzi Wa Kimya (“Silent Guardian”), aims to protect civilians, secure critical infrastructure, and stabilize volatile areas affected by intermittent violence.
Uganda’s involvement reflects its ongoing commitment to regional peace and security under the East African Community (EAC) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).
This mission builds on Uganda’s history of military cooperation with South Sudan and supports President Yoweri Museveni’s vision of ensuring stability in the region to safeguard economic and security interests, including trade routes and cross-border communities.
