Uganda has deployed Special Forces units in South Sudan’s capital city Juba amid rising political and security tensions in South Sudan, Uganda’s army chief Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba disclosed on Tuesday.
Gen Muhoozi, who was among the commanders of the UPDF special military operation to protect Juba in 2013, today warned that any move against President Salva Kiir would be considered a declaration of war against Uganda.
“We, the UPDF, only recognize ONE President of South Sudan, H.E. Salva Kiir. He is our ‘Afande’ even in UPDF because he is the younger brother of Mzee! Any move against him is a declaration of war against Uganda!,” said Muhoozi.
“All those who commit that crime will learn what it means!” added the former Special Forces commander.
He further revealed that Uganda’s Special Forces had already entered Juba as of two days ago to “secure” the city.
Brink of war
The deployment of UPDF troops comes at a critical time when South Sudan is teetering on the edge of renewed conflict, following the latest clashes between SSPDF and the White Army, a Nuer youth militia that has overrun government positions in Upper Nile State.
The situation has escalated further with political arrests in Juba and accusations that First Vice President Riek Machar’s SPLA-IO faction is backing the White Army’s advance.
President Kiir last week ordered the arrests of SPLA-IO’s Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam, and the Minister of Petroleum, Puot Kang.
Tensions
The ongoing military confrontations and the mobilization of militia groups have increased fears of renewed large-scale conflict.
Uganda’s intervention echoes its previous military deployments in South Sudan, when President Museveni sent troops to protect Juba in 2013-2014, during the civil war that saw Machar’s forces attempt to overrun the capital.
At that time, UPDF was deployed to secure key government installations, including the State House, the army headquarters, and Juba International Airport.
The latest intervention signals Uganda’s direct military commitment to preserving Kiir’s hold on power at a time when the Revitalized Peace Agreement is under extreme strain.
The deployment of Ugandan Special Forces to Juba drastically shifts the power balance in South Sudan’s internal conflict.
It strengthens Kiir’s position militarily and politically while sending a clear message to opposition forces that any attempt to challenge his rule will face regional military retaliation.
For Machar and his SPLA-IO faction, Uganda’s move presents a significant obstacle. The White Army’s offensive in Nasir had already heightened tensions, and now with foreign troops securing Juba, the prospects of any military challenge to Kiir appear increasingly difficult.
Uganda’s previous involvement provoked retaliatory actions from opposition factions and escalated tensions with regional players who viewed Kampala’s move as an overreach into South Sudan’s sovereignty.
Kenyan President William Ruto has already been engaging Kiir and Machar in peace talks, urging dialogue to de-escalate tensions.
