South Sudan's top general emphasized his personal ties to Uganda and Kenya in a recent press interview, highlighting the fact that his children live there.

SPLA Chief of Staff Paul Malong said in an interview with Uganda's Daily Monitor newspaper at his home in Jebel on the outskirts of Juba town last week that many of the country's leaders send their children to neighboring countries.

“Our children spend most of their time in Kampala and Nairobi. They only come here to visit us. So they know more of those countries than they know their home country. That is why we must do all we can to make it one community,” Malong said.

The remark was published by Daily Monitor on Monday in an article headlined “South Sudan values relationship with Uganda – SPLA boss.” The quotation was cited in the context of a discussion of South Sudan's ties with Uganda and Kenya.

According to the report, “Gen Malong said relations between the countries in the region must be fostered to fast track the East African Community integration. Gen Malong reiterated the South Sudan government’s commitment to maintain peace in the country saying maintaining peace was cheaper than maintaining a conflict.”

Malong is reported to own several large and luxurious homes in Uganda and Kenya, according to research initiative The Sentry. The US-based research group last month accused Malong of being part of a violent “kleptocracy” of war profiteers in South Sudan.

One of the general's homes is located inside a walled compound just off Kawuku-Bwerenga Road, halfway between Kampala and Entebbe.

Another home in Uganda is a Mediterranean-style villa, constructed in late 2013 and early 2014. It is located just off Nanjara Road in Bungu, an upscale neighborhood in southern Kampala.

He owns a third home valued at approximately $2 million in Nyari Estate, an upscale gated community in Nairobi.

File photo: Paul Malong (right)