President Yoweri Museveni on Tuesday evening held high-level discussions with Jakaya Kikwete at State Lodge Nakasero, with the crisis in South Sudan dominating the agenda.
Kikwete, serving as the African Union High Representative for the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea, briefed Museveni on ongoing regional peace efforts and the evolving political and security dynamics in South Sudan. The meeting comes amid renewed concern over instability in parts of the country, particularly in the Equatorial region.
According to Museveni, the discussions emphasised the critical importance of dialogue among South Sudan’s political actors as the most viable pathway to sustainable peace.
“Uganda will continue supporting peace efforts as stability in South Sudan, especially in the Equatorial region where many Ugandans live, is important for regional security and prosperity,” Museveni said.
Uganda remains one of the key regional stakeholders in South Sudan, with deep economic, security, and humanitarian interests tied to its northern neighbour. Thousands of Ugandans live and work in the Equatoria region, while cross-border trade continues to play a vital role in local economies.
The meeting at Nakasero highlights Kampala’s ongoing diplomatic engagement within the Horn of Africa, as regional actors intensify efforts to prevent further deterioration of the situation in South Sudan and push for a negotiated political settlement.
Kikwete’s role, backed by the African Union, has increasingly positioned him at the centre of mediation efforts, as pressure mounts on South Sudan’s leadership to recommit to peace agreements and dialogue frameworks.
