UPDF, SSPDF agree on collaborative solutions to border security challenges

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The Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (UPDF) and the South Sudan Peoples' Defence Forces (SSPDF) on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, reaffirmed their commitment to work together in addressing recent security incidents along the shared border.

This follows last month’s clash in which four SSPDF soldiers were shot dead by UPDF soldiers during a confrontation at Maru village in Yumbe district after they allegedly crossed illegally and occupied villages inside Uganda.

The reaffirmation was made during a high-level meeting at the Defence and Intelligence headquarters in Mbuya, co-chaired by the UPDF Commander Land Forces, Lt Gen. Kayanja Muhanga, and the SSPDF Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Dau Aturjong Nyuol.

The meeting was convened after Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, invited his South Sudanese counterpart, following his recent visit to Juba where he met President Salva Kiir.

Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation and security measures along the Uganda–South Sudan border.

SSPDF Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Dau Aturjong Nyuol (C),UPDF Commander Land Forces, Lt Gen. Kayanja Muhanga (2 Left), in a group photo with UPDF officials and SSDF delegation.

Speaking on behalf of Gen. Kainerugaba, Lt Gen. Muhanga highlighted the longstanding ties between the two armies.

“All the struggles in the past that the SPLA went through, we were together. Even here in Uganda, during our struggles against the rebels of Joseph Kony, the South Sudan Defence Forces stood with us,” he said.

Addressing the recent border tensions, Lt Gen. Muhanga stressed dialogue over confrontation.

“We need to approach this maturely and solve this problem. I am confident our discussions will find a remedy for the misunderstandings, which are not between the two governments nor the two armies,” he added.

Gen. Nyuol, delivering greetings from President Kiir, reiterated South Sudan’s commitment to joint action.

“Joining hands in joint operations will maintain security. Even the spoiler will not be given room to cause havoc to our local population along the border. We will come out with something that can rescue the security and let our people live in good harmony,” he said.

The meeting is expected to lead to enhanced coordination and joint measures to safeguard border communities.

Senior officers present included Maj. Gen. Francis Takirwa, Deputy Commander Land Forces; 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.

This is not the first time a rift has emerged between the two countries over the border. In 2005, a dispute broke out between communities in Kajo-Keji County in South Sudan and Moyo District in Uganda. Tensions and violence in the area forced the suspension of a project to construct a road and a communications tower.

In November 2010, the presidents of Uganda and South Sudan met to promote the peaceful resolution of the dispute.

On October 27, 2020, the SSPDF and UPDF clashed near Pogee, Magwi County, in South Sudan's Eastern Equatoria State, leaving two South Sudanese soldiers dead. Both sides believed they were operating on their country’s territory.

South Sudan and Uganda share a common border between northern Uganda and southern South Sudan. The two countries also enjoy strong cultural, political, and economic ties.

In recent years, South Sudan has become the largest importer of Ugandan goods. Reports indicate that more than 150,000 Ugandan traders operate across the border, generating an estimated 900 million US dollars in business.