Uganda, South Sudan ink military cooperation deal

By Alfred Wasike
and Henry Mukasa

Feb 11, 2007 (KAMPALA) — Uganda and South Sudan have agreed to cooperate on security and conduct joint military exercises. According to an agreement signed on Friday, the UPDF shall provide training for the SPLA either in Uganda or in South Sudan.

“The two armies shall engage in military cooperation through joint operations, combating of proliferation of illegal small arms and fighting international terrorism,” the pact states.

It also says that their security organisations shall cooperate through sharing information and other agreed forms of collaboration.They will carry out joint patrols along the Nimule–Juba road.

A commission to cordinate cooperation will be established. They will also look for financial and technical assistance for the construction of a railway line from Pakwach to Juba via Yei and from Gulu to Juba via Nimule.

The countries agreed to upgrade major roads linking them and ensure smooth operations of air transport. Telephone, postal and information communication services will be provided.

The Uganda Police will train their southern Sudan counterparts and the same will apply to the judiciary and the finance departments.

Ugandan education, financial and health experts will be sent to South Sudan to build capacity. Sudanese students will gain admission into Ugandan institutions.
Common policies will be instituted to facilitate trade, investment and streamline taxation.

On immigration, they agreed to remove obstacles to free movement. The deal states that Uganda shall supply South Sudan with foodstuff and construction materials.

The pact was signed by the South Sudan minister for Regional Cooperation, Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin and Uganda’s foreign affairs minister, Sam Kuteesa.

The seven-man Sudanese delegation also met President Yoweri Museveni at State House and affirmed their support for Juba as the venue for the peace talks.

(New Vision)