Kiir Thanks Uganda for Peace Support

(JUBA) – Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, held important talks with South Sudanese President Salva Kiir on Saturday afternoon at the State House in Juba. The discussions focused on improving bilateral relations and promoting stability in the region.

Gen. Kainerugaba arrived in Juba earlier the same day and was welcomed at Juba International Airport by his South Sudanese military counterpart. After brief initial talks, the Ugandan general went straight to the presidential palace for the meeting with President Kiir.

Following the discussions with the president, Gen. Kainerugaba visited the tactical headquarters of Operation Mlinzi Wa Kimya, a Swahili phrase meaning “Silent Guardian.” At the base, he met with Ugandan troops and commanders who are overseeing the mission on South Sudanese soil.

Later, the Ugandan commander held further talks with South Sudan’s Vice President, focusing on security cooperation and the ongoing collaboration between the two countries’ militaries.

Uganda has played a key role in supporting South Sudan’s stability, particularly through the deployment of Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) troops at the request of the South Sudanese government. This deployment followed clashes between government forces and rebel groups. Since Uganda’s intervention, calm has been largely restored in the affected areas.

President Salva Kiir expressed his gratitude to Gen. Kainerugaba for Uganda’s efforts to maintain peace in South Sudan, the youngest country in Africa. He praised the UPDF’s contributions to regional security and the peace process.

South Sudan remains an important trading partner for Uganda. Juba ranks among the main destinations for Ugandan exports, which include construction materials, textiles and other goods vital to South Sudan’s rebuilding efforts.

Gen. Kainerugaba, who also serves as Uganda’s Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to enhancing ties with South Sudan.