President Yoweri Museveni had fruitful discussions with South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir in Juba on April 2, focusing on peace, security, and socio-economic development. The two leaders explored ways to harmonise trade policies and boost cross-border trade between Uganda and South Sudan.
"Yesterday, I had good discussions with President Salva Kiir in Juba," Museveni posted on X today afternoon. "We addressed key issues of peace, security, and the socio-economic landscape, particularly how to harmonise our trade policies and enhance cross-border trade between our two countries."
Upon his arrival in Juba for a working visit, President Museveni was warmly received by President Kiir at Juba International Airport.
Key figures present included South Sudan’s Minister of Presidential Affairs, Chol Mawut Ajongo; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ramadan Muhammed Abdalla; and Minister of Defence, Chol Thon Balok, among other senior officials.
From Uganda, the President was greeted by Minister of Defence, Jacob Oboth Oboth; Senior Presidential Advisor on Defence and Security, Gen. Proscovia Nalweyiso; and Ugandan Ambassador to South Sudan, Brig. Gen. Ronnie Balya.
The visit occurs amid rising tensions in South Sudan, with President Kiir facing accusations from the government regarding First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar’s alleged plot to instigate rebellion. Machar is currently under house arrest.
Minister Oboth told Parliament that on March 10, President Kiir requested urgent military assistance from Uganda to avert a security crisis. In response, Uganda deployed the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) for a peace enforcement mission. Oboth highlighted that this decision aligns with Uganda’s core values of patriotism, nationalism, and Pan-Africanism.