Uganda, South Sudan sign security pact... - New Vision

By Anne Mugisa

Uganda and South Sudan have signed a pact to cement their political and security co-operation as a way of strengthening peace.

The agreement, which also spelt out cooperation in areas of finance, trade, tourism, education and customs was signed in Kampala.

State minister for international affairs Henry Okello Oryem signed the pact on behalf of Uganda, while South Sudan’s minister for foreign affairs and international co-operation, Nhial Deng Nhial signed for his country. Also present was the ICT minister, Ruhakana Rugunda.

“Our region is confronted by the challenges of security, poverty, underdevelopment and unemployment. The consequences of these challenges transcend our shared borders, thus becoming regional. This dictates the need to put emphasis on concerted regional efforts to deal with them,” Rugunda said.

South Sudan was asked to seek admission to the Nile Basin Authority, which brings together countries in the Nile basin. Under the cooperation, the two countries are to carry out joint border consultations and demarcation, among others.