On September 28, 2024, Uganda’s Chief of Defense Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, met with South Sudan’s army chief, General Santino Deng Wol, to discuss regional security matters. The meeting focused on strengthening military relations amidst rising tensions over border skirmishes, rooted in historical disputes from colonial times.
On September 28, 2024, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defense Forces of Uganda, convened with General Santino Deng Wol, his South Sudanese counterpart, in Kampala to discuss matters pertaining to regional security. The dialogue, as reported by the Chief of Defense Forces’ office, primarily addressed “regional security issues of mutual interest.” Both military leaders recognized the deep-seated relationship between Uganda and South Sudan and committed to bolstering military cooperation. The discussions are particularly significant in light of recent border conflicts between the two nations, where accusations have arisen regarding the encroachment of Ugandan forces, specifically the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF), into South Sudanese territory. This diplomatic engagement takes place against a backdrop of historical border disputes rooted in colonial-era demarcations that failed to consider local populations, leading to ongoing tensions among ethnic groups in contentious regions such as Lamwo, Nimule, Kajo-Keji, and Moyo district. The Ugandan delegation included high-ranking officials such as Lieutenant General Sam Okiding (Deputy Chief of Defense Forces), Lieutenant General Charles Okidi (Air Force Commander), Major General Francis Takirwa (Deputy Commander Land Forces), and Major General James Birungi (Chief of Defense Intelligence and Security). General Deng Wol was accompanied by senior officials from the South Sudanese military, reinforcing the importance of the meeting.
The region encompassing Uganda and South Sudan has a complex history marked by border disputes that have often escalated into violent confrontations. Many of these conflicts can be traced back to the arbitrary border demarcations established during colonial rule, which did not take into account the demography and historical ties of the local populations. These disputes have generated ongoing strife among various ethnic communities across the border areas, creating a pressing need for military and diplomatic engagement between the two nations to mitigate future conflicts and promote security cooperation.
In conclusion, the meeting between General Muhoozi Kainerugaba and General Santino Deng Wol underscores the critical need for collaboration between Uganda and South Sudan in addressing regional security matters. Acknowledging their historical ties and the recent border skirmishes, both military leaders have signaled a commitment to enhance military relations to foster peace and stability in the region. This proactive approach aims to address underlying tensions that stem from historic disputes and to build a framework for sustaining diplomatic engagements in the future.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
