Gen. Kainerugaba Meets President Kiir, Visits UPDF Troops in Juba to Strengthen Uganda–South Sudan Ties
JUBA, South Sudan – Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, on Saturday held high-level talks with South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit at State House in Juba, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations and advancing regional stability.
Gen. Kainerugaba arrived in Juba earlier in the day and was officially received at Juba International Airport by his South Sudanese counterpart. He proceeded to State House for a closed-door meeting with President Kiir, where the leaders discussed security cooperation, peace initiatives, and economic collaboration between Kampala and Juba.
Following the presidential talks, the Ugandan CDF visited the tactical headquarters of Operation Mlinzi Wa Kimya—Swahili for “Silent Guardian”—where he interacted with UPDF commanders and troops stationed in South Sudan. He was later joined by South Sudan’s Vice President for further discussions on enhancing joint security efforts.
Uganda has maintained a significant role in supporting South Sudan’s stability, including deploying UPDF forces at the request of the South Sudanese government after clashes between rebel forces and government troops. The intervention has been credited with helping to restore calm in Africa’s youngest nation.
President Kiir expressed deep appreciation for Uganda’s role in maintaining peace and acknowledged the UPDF’s contributions to regional security. Beyond the military sphere, South Sudan remains one of Uganda’s top trading partners, importing construction materials, textiles, and other goods from Kampala.
Gen. Kainerugaba reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to deepening both security and economic ties with South Sudan, describing the visit as part of a broader strategy to bolster regional partnerships.
This engagement follows his recent diplomatic mission to Kinshasa, where he met with DRC President Felix Tshisekedi to further advance peace and stability initiatives across the Great Lakes region.
