Uganda army chief Muhoozi meets South Sudan’s Kiir to ease border tensions after deadly clashes
According to Uganda’s army spokesperson, Maj-Gen Felix Kulayigye, the confrontation began when South Sudanese soldiers crossed into Ugandan territory and set up camp.
Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, met South Sudanese President Salva Kiir in Juba on Saturday to ease tensions following deadly clashes along their shared border earlier this month.
The visit came just days after his deputy, Lt-Gen Sam Okiding, travelled to South Sudan to inspect Ugandan troops stationed near the capital. This followed fighting in the West Nile border area, where troops from both countries exchanged fire over disputed territory.
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According to Uganda’s army spokesperson, Maj-Gen Felix Kulayigye, the confrontation began when South Sudanese soldiers crossed into Ugandan territory and set up camp.
When told to leave, they allegedly refused, prompting Ugandan forces to respond. Several soldiers were killed, and hundreds of civilians fled their homes, fearing further violence.
In a statement on X, Kainerugaba confirmed that President Yoweri Museveni had sent him to meet Kiir in person to resolve the dispute.
"Mzee has sent me to meet with my Uncle Afande Salvar Kiir soon. I will go and meet my boss in Juba, and we shall resolve the issues," he said.
Persisted for years
Joint investigations are now underway to find a lasting solution and prevent similar incidents. The dispute in South Sudan’s province bordering Uganda’s West Nile sub-region has persisted for years.
During Saturday’s talks, The Monitor reported, Kiir thanked Uganda for its role in maintaining regional stability, while Kainerugaba reaffirmed Kampala’s commitment to strengthening ties with Juba.
Security experts warn that the recent clashes could strain relations, despite Uganda’s history as a key ally of South Sudan. Kampala has previously deployed troops at Kiir’s request to help government forces repel rebels during past conflicts.
Uganda’s most recent intervention came in March 2025, when Special Forces were deployed amid fears of renewed civil war between Kiir and First Vice-President Riek Machar. This followed heavy fighting in Nasir, where dozens of soldiers, including a general, were killed.
Defence Minister Jacob Oboth later told parliament that Uganda’s involvement was crucial to preventing economic and political instability at home.
Beyond security, South Sudan remains Uganda’s largest trading partner and the biggest source of refugees in the country, with about 1.2 million South Sudanese living in Uganda.
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