By Spy Uganda
Uganda’s Ambassador to South Sudan, H.E. Brig Gen (Rtd) Ronnie Balya, led Ugandan troops serving under the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Joint Task Force – Operation Mlinzi Wakimya in celebrating Uganda’s 63rd Independence Anniversary in South Sudan.
The colourful event brought together Ugandan soldiers, the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), local leaders, and members of the business community in a spirited celebration of unity, patriotism, and regional cooperation.
In his keynote address, Ambassador Balya, who officiated as Chief Guest, said the Independence celebrations provided Ugandans an opportunity to reflect on the nation’s transformative journey and its vision for the future.
“National celebrations like Independence Day offer citizens an opportunity to reflect on their country’s journey and future,”
said Ambassador Balya.
He paid special tribute to the UPDF for its unwavering commitment to safeguarding Uganda and contributing to regional stability, attributing its success to the strategic leadership of President and Commander-in-Chief H.E. Gen (Rtd) Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
“I sincerely commend the excellent work of the UPDF in keeping Uganda and the region safe from various threats. I salute them for this noble cause,”
he added.
Ambassador Balya also lauded the Government and people of South Sudan for their continued efforts to restore peace, rebuild their nation, and deepen bilateral ties.
“Uganda and South Sudan are brotherly and strategic neighbours with a long history of cooperation, especially in the struggle for liberation and self-determination,”
he emphasized.
Representing the Chief of Defence Forces of South Sudan, Maj Gen Kuai Deng commended the strong and enduring relations between the two countries, acknowledging the pivotal role of Presidents Salva Kiir Mayardit and Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in sustaining a firm partnership.
“We appreciate Presidents Salva Kiir Mayardit and Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for maintaining a firm relationship between South Sudan and Uganda. We are one people sharing culture, heritage, and even language—many of us speak Luo,”
Maj Gen Deng said.
His remarks underscored not only the military cooperation between the two countries but also the deep cultural and historical ties that unite their people.
In his remarks, Brig Gen Anthony Lukwago Mbuusi, the Joint Task Force Commander, described Uganda’s independence as an ongoing mission that demands commitment and renewal.
“Independence is not merely a date in history but a continuous mission that demands renewal and sacrifice,”
Brig Gen Mbuusi said.
He added that the UPDF’s operations in South Sudan under Operation Mlinzi Wakimya embody the practical spirit of Pan-Africanism, anchored in solidarity and shared responsibility.
“Our presence here reaffirms that Uganda’s freedom is intertwined with the peace and stability of our neighbours,”
he emphasized.
The ceremony was attended by senior military officers including Battle Group Commander Col Bernard Kashemeza and Commanding Officer Col JM Kabila, as well as local South Sudanese leaders and business representatives. Their participation reflected the growing bond between the UPDF and host communities in fostering peace, cooperation, and trust.
Operation Mlinzi Wakimya, meaning Silent Guard, is a UPDF-led mission in South Sudan focused on peace support, protection of civilians, and strengthening bilateral defence cooperation. It reflects Uganda’s enduring commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region.
As Uganda marks 63 years of independence, the celebrations in South Sudan, led by Ambassador Ronnie Balya, served as a strong reminder that true independence extends beyond national borders—it thrives through partnership, shared security, and regional solidarity.
See Pictorial Below
