South Sudan People’s Defense Force (SSPDF) has announced the release of three army officers who were detained by the Uganda People’s Defense Force (UPDF).
The four were apprehended in July at the border in Magwi County, Eastern Equatoria State, and had faced nearly three months of detention.
Their release follows a meeting this week in Kampala between SSPDF chief Gen Santino Deng Wol and his UPDF counterpart Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
In A press statement on Wednesday, SSPDF spokesperson, Maj Gen Lul Ruai Koang, said the discussions led to an agreement to release the South Sudan soldiers.
“SSPDF army chief secured the release of three servicemen arrested by UPDF. He also facilitated the release of Cpt Machol Majur Madol, who was detained by the Uganda Revenue Authority while in possession of a loaded firearm,” Koang stated.
Koang further said the two army chiefs also agreed that UPDF stops further encroachment into South Sudan.
The agreement aims to boost peace along the border and enable a high-level technical committee from both nations to work on the border demarcation and delimitation. This collaboration comes amid recent border skirmishes, highlighting the need for sustained dialogue and cooperation.
Both military leaders emphasized the importance of regional peace and security. In addition, SSPDF announced plans to deploy more forces along the Juba-Nimule Highway to reduce ambushes and protect civilians following a recent attack on a bus traveling to Uganda.
The meeting also laid the groundwork for promoting trade and fostering harmonious relations along the border, signaling a commitment to stability and collaboration between the two nations.