Kampala, April 8, 2026 — President Yoweri Museveni has held talks with the African Union’s new High Representative for the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea, former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete, focusing on the worsening political and security situation in South Sudan.
The meeting took place on Tuesday evening at Nakasero State Lodge in Kampala, where the two leaders discussed escalating violence and internal infighting in South Sudan, amid growing regional concern over renewed instability in the young nation.
Museveni, who has been a key regional mediator in South Sudan’s peace processes for years, reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to supporting stability and dialogue among rival political actors.
“This evening at Nakasero State Lodge, I welcomed H.E. Jakaya Kikwete, AU High Representative for the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea,” Museveni said in a post on X. “We discussed the situation in South Sudan and emphasised the importance of dialogue among the parties.”
He stressed that stability in South Sudan remains critical for regional security and economic cooperation, particularly in the Equatoria region bordering Uganda.
“Uganda will continue supporting peace efforts as stability in South Sudan, especially in the Equatorial region where many Ugandans live, is important for regional security and prosperity,” he added.
The discussions come at a time of renewed political tension in South Sudan’s capital Juba, with reports of rising infighting among political and military factions. Regional observers and United Nations agencies have warned that the situation risks triggering new waves of displacement and a worsening humanitarian crisis.
According to international reporting and UN monitoring updates, thousands of civilians have already been affected by sporadic clashes and insecurity in parts of the country, reviving fears of a broader breakdown in the fragile peace process.
South Sudan, which has struggled with instability since gaining independence in 2011, continues to face political uncertainty ahead of anticipated electoral processes scheduled for 2026, raising pressure on regional leaders to intensify diplomatic engagement.
Kikwete’s role as AU envoy is part of renewed continental efforts to stabilise the Horn of Africa and Red Sea region, with emphasis on preventive diplomacy and dialogue-driven conflict resolution.
Both Museveni and Kikwete reportedly agreed on the need to encourage all parties in South Sudan to return to negotiations, with a shared warning that failure to de-escalate could push the country closer to renewed civil conflict.
Uganda has historically hosted large numbers of South Sudanese refugees and maintains strong economic and security ties with Juba, making the crisis a key foreign policy concern for Kampala.
