The UPDF and South Sudanese People’s Defense Forces Agree to Collaborate on Border Security
Reporter Kizindo Lule
Kampala-Uganda
The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) and South Sudan Peoples’ Defence Forces (SSPDF) have reaffirmed their commitment to working together in addressing Security Incidents along the shared borders.
This was during a high-level meeting held on 20th Aug 2025 at the Defence and Intelligence headquarters in Mbuya Uganda co-chaired by the UPDF Commander Land Forces, Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga and the SSPDF’s Chief,Gen. Dau Aturjong Nyuol.
The meeting followed an invitation from the Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba to his South Sudanese Counterpart after his recent visit to Juba and the meeting with South Sudanese President HE Salva Kiir.
Their discussions focused on strengthening security cooperation along the Uganda–South Sudan border.
Speaking on behalf of Gen Kainerugaba, Lt Gen Muhanga highlighted the longstanding ties between the two armies.
Lt. General Muhanga said, “the UPDF has been part of all the struggles in the past that SPLA went through. Even here in Uganda, during our struggles against the rebels of Joseph Kony, the South Sudan Defence Forces stood with us”.
While addressing the recent border tensions, Lt Gen Muhanga stressed dialogue over confrontation.
“We need to approach this maturely and solve this problem.We are confident our discussions will find a longstanding remedy for the misunderstandings, which are neither between the two Governments nor the two Armies,” he added.
Gen.Nyuol on the other hand delivered greetings from the South Sudanese President H.E Salva Kiir, and reiterated His commitment to the joint Action.
“Joining hands in joint operations will maintain security. Even the enemy will not be given room to cause havoc to our local population along the border. We will come out with something that can harness security and let our people live in harmony,” he said.
The meeting is expected to yield enhanced Coordination and Joint measures to safeguard border communities.
Senior officers present included Maj Gen Francis Takirwa, Deputy Commander Land Force; Maj Gen Richard Otto, Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security; Maj Gen Felix Busizoori, Commander 4 Infantry Division; Brig Gen Moses Wandera, Joint Staff Legal Services; and other senior officers from both forces,UPDF and SSPDF.
