The President emphasised the need to ensure that economic growth translates into improved household incomes, citing government programmes such as Operation Wealth Creation and the Parish Development Model (PDM).
“Can you have a strong army and a strong and safe country without a strong economy? Can you have a strong defence force and a strong and safe country without cohesive politics? Finally, can you have a strong defence force and a strong and safe country without, in some cases, addressing the issue of geo-strategic location such as being landlocked?” President Museveni asked.
According to officials, the repatriation was facilitated through cooperation between the governments of Uganda and South Sudan. Maj Gen Otto worked alongside Uganda’s Ambassador to South Sudan, Brig Gen Ronnie Balya, to secure the return of the former abductees, while South Sudanese authorities provided support throughout the operation.
Uganda and South Sudan are strategic neighbors, partners, and friends with a long history of excellent cooperation, especially regarding the revolutionary struggle in the two countries. Currently, South Sudan is one of Uganda’s biggest trading partners in the region, and the trade between the two countries is booming.