Gen Okiding Holds Talks With South Sudan Army Chief Ahead of Muhoozi-Kiir Juba Meeting

The Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt Gen Sam Okiding, has held high-level talks with the Chief of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), Gen Dau Aturjong, in Juba, as part of ongoing efforts to reinforce bilateral military cooperation between Uganda and South Sudan.

The visit comes ahead of a planned diplomatic-military engagement between Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and South Sudanese President Salva Kiir.

Gen Muhoozi, who also serves as Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, revealed that he will soon meet President Kiir in Juba on President Museveni’s directive to resolve recent concerns and deepen strategic ties between the two countries.

“Mzee has sent me to meet my Uncle, Afande Salva Kiir, soon. I will go and meet my boss in Juba and we shall resolve the issues,” Gen Muhoozi stated.

This development comes amidst growing regional concerns over security dynamics along the Uganda–South Sudan border and in areas where the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) operate under bilateral arrangements.

In March, General Muhoozi revealed that Uganda had deployed special forces in South Sudan’s capital Juba to “secure it” as tensions between President Salva Kiir and his First Vice President Riek Machar flared.

Lt Gen Okiding was accompanied by Uganda’s Ambassador to South Sudan, Brig Gen (Rtd) Ronnie Balya, and the Joint Task Force Commander, Brig Gen Anthony Lukwago Mbuusi.

During the meeting, Gen Aturjong reaffirmed South Sudan’s commitment to maintaining strong ties with Uganda, describing the two armies as “sister forces” with deep historical bonds.

“No one can separate us because we share a lot historically,” Gen Aturjong said, pledging continued cooperation in regional peace and security.

Lt Gen Okiding thanked the SSPDF leadership for their continued cooperation and for fostering a strong relationship between the two sister forces.

He noted that such engagements help cement peace and mutual understanding between Uganda and South Sudan.

Later, Lt Gen Okiding visited Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces troops stationed in Bilnyang. He commended the troops for their discipline and dedication, urging them to uphold peace in South Sudan and to prioritise training for combat readiness and maintaining operational tempo.

He applauded Brig Gen Mbuusi for his effective leadership and pledged continued support from the UPDF high command.

On his part, Brig Gen Mbuusi expressed gratitude to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the Commander-in-Chief of the UPDF, and the Chief of Defence Forces for the strategic guidance and support that have greatly boosted troop morale under Operation Mlinzi Wakimya.

Among those in attendance were the Assistant Chief of Defence Forces, Lt Gen Kong Throu; SSPDF Chief of Military Intelligence, Lt Gen David Ohucholi; Battle Group Commander Col Benard R. Kashemeza; Special Forces Component Commander Col JM Kabila; Asset Commander Col Steven Namolo; and Joint Task Force Intelligence Officer Lt Col Alex Habyona.