South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Awan Achiek
The Chief of Defense Force of the Uganda People’s Defense Force (SSPDF) Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba has ordered his soldiers to stop encroaching on South Sudan border territories at a recent meeting with his counterpart, Gen. Santino Deng Wol in Kampala.
Maj. Gen Lul Ruai Koang, SSPDF Spokesman in a statement issued on Wednesday said that this pause is aimed at giving time to the two governments to find lasting solutions to the recurrent border disputes.
He said this resolution was reached during the meeting on September 28, 2024 in Kampala between Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the CDF of the UPDF and Gen. Santino Deng Wol, the Chief of Defense Force of the SSPDF.
Koang said the sides resolved to maintain a cordial harmonious working relationship along the common border to enhance trade.
He said the SSPDF also secured the release of three servicemen that were arrested and detained by UPDF in July 2024.
Among those released include, Cpt. Machol Majur Madol, a traffic police officer who was arrested in July by Uganda Revenue Authority while in possession of a fully loaded pistol.
Koang said that Gen. Wol informed his Ugandan counterpart, of their plan to deploy additional forces along the Juba-Nimule road to secure and enhance safety of travelers.
Local authorities in Magwi County of Eastern Equatoria State and Kajo-Keji County of Central Equatoria State have raised alarm over the continued occupation of their land and harassment by UPDF.
They accuse the UPDF of displacing host communities along the border, resettling Ugandans on their land.
The UPDF soldiers allegedly established more than eight barracks in the border territories and deployed patrol forces.
