Lt Gen Okiding Meets South Sudan’s Defence Chief To Strengthen Military Ties

The Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt Gen Sam Okiding, has paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), Gen Dau Aturjong, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral military cooperation between the two nations.

Lt Gen Okiding was accompanied by Uganda’s Ambassador to South Sudan, Brig Gen (Rtd) Ronnie Balya, and the Joint Task Force Commander, Brig Gen Anthony Lukwago Mbuusi.

During the meeting, Gen Aturjong reaffirmed South Sudan’s commitment to maintaining strong ties with Uganda, describing the two armies as “sister forces” with deep historical bonds.

“No one can separate us because we share a lot historically,” Gen Aturjong said, pledging continued cooperation in regional peace and security.

Lt Gen Okiding thanked the SSPDF leadership for their continued cooperation and for fostering a strong relationship between the two sister forces. He noted that such engagements help cement peace and mutual understanding between Uganda and South Sudan.

Later, Lt Gen Okiding visited Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces troops stationed in Bilnyang. He commended the troops for their discipline and dedication, urging them to uphold peace in South Sudan and to prioritise training for combat readiness and maintaining operational tempo.

He applauded Brig Gen Mbuusi for his effective leadership and pledged continued support from the UPDF high command.

On his part, Brig Gen Mbuusi expressed gratitude to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the Commander-in-Chief of the UPDF, and the Chief of Defence Forces for the strategic guidance and support that have greatly boosted troop morale under Operation Mlinzi Wakimya.

Among those in attendance were the Assistant Chief of Defence Forces, Lt Gen Kong Throu; SSPDF Chief of Military Intelligence, Lt Gen David Ohucholi; Battle Group Commander Col Benard R. Kashemeza; Special Forces Component Commander Col JM Kabila; Asset Commander Col Steven Namolo; and Joint Task Force Intelligence Officer Lt Col Alex Habyona.