Kei Emmanuel Duku
Chief of Defense Forces of South Sudan, Gen. Santino Wol Deng, met with his Ugandan counterpart, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, over the weekend to discuss enhancing regional security cooperation.
According to News Vision, the meeting, held at the Defense Intelligence and Security Headquarters in Uganda, focused on strengthening the military-to-military relationship between the two countries.
Both military leaders emphasized the long-standing historical ties between South Sudan and Uganda and the need to bolster their military cooperation.
Following the meeting, they proceeded to Serena Kigo for a dinner where Gen. Deng stressed the importance of unity between the two nations.
Gen. Kainerugaba expressed gratitude for his counterpart’s visit and highlighted the potential for renewed relations between the two countries.
While the specific nature of the military cooperation was not disclosed, the meeting came days after an ambush on the Juba-Nimule Highway, which prompted calls for regional support to address armed militias operating along the South Sudan-Uganda border.
Recent reports of Ugandan military incursions into South Sudan territories have also raised concerns.
The meeting was attended by high-ranking Ugandan military officials, including the Deputy Chief of Defense Forces, Air Force Commander, Deputy Commander of Land Forces, and Chief of Defense Intelligence and Security.
Of recent Gen. Kainerugaba has been actively seeking to enhance security cooperation with regional militaries, meeting with counterparts from several countries, including Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Mali, and Mozambique.
His efforts demonstrate a commitment to promoting peace and stability in the African region.