Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and his South Sudanese counterpart, Salva Kiir, have held talks focusing on South Sudan’s 2018 peace agreement, security challenges, and bilateral relations, according to foreign ministers from both countries.
President Museveni arrived in Juba on Thursday morning for a high-level state visit, amid ongoing political and security tensions in South Sudan. The situation has drawn international criticism following the house arrest of First Vice President and opposition leader Riek Machar.
The detention came after a deadly attack in Upper Nile state that killed a senior military general and several soldiers. South Sudan’s government sought military support from Uganda, with Defence Minister Jacob Oboth confirming that President Kiir made an urgent request on 10 March to prevent a potential security crisis.
The visit follows a meeting last week between President Kiir and Kenya’s special envoy, Raila Odinga. Odinga said his request to meet Machar was denied, with Kiir reportedly referring him to Museveni—a claim dismissed by South Sudan’s presidential press secretary, David Amuor Majur.
Speaking reporters after the meeting this evening, Uganda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Malimba John, stressed the importance of the discussions:
“We have had a cordial meeting touching on issues of mutual benefit between our two governments. We discussed peace and security, not just in South Sudan but across the region. Stability in South Sudan is crucial for the entire East African region.”
He added that boosting economic ties and infrastructure development were also key topics.
South Sudan’s Foreign Minister, Ramadan Mohammed Abdallah Goc, reiterated the government’s dedication to the 2018 peace deal and improving security:
“We briefed President Museveni and his delegation on the security situation in South Sudan and the implementation of the peace agreement. We assured them that the government is fully committed to fulfilling all security arrangements.”
The delegation updated President Museveni on progress in implementing the Revitalized Peace Agreement, with Goc emphasizing Juba’s commitment to stabilizing the country.
Trade and investment were also discussed during the visit, which is set to continue with further meetings between President Museveni and South Sudanese officials on Friday.
AU Panel to meet Machar
Meanwhile, the African Union’s Panel of the Wise, which arrived in Juba on Wednesday to help ease tensions and encourage dialogue, is scheduled to meet with Dr. Machar on Friday.
According to a schedule seen by Radio Tamazuj, the panel is due to meet Machar on Friday morning, followed by talks with President Kiir in the afternoon.