Ugandan troops deployed to Juba as tensions loom in South Sudan

JUBA, South Sudan - The Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) chief Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba has confirmed the deployment of the elite forces to Sudan Sudan's capital, Juba, a move geared towards stabilizing the city following escalating political tensions in the country.

The special forces, he said, would have a role of securing the capital and helping President Salva Kiir maintain order in the country. Kiir is forcing threatening political tensions after fighting was reported in parts of the country due to his differences with Vice President Riek Machar.

Riek Machar and Salva Kiir signed an agreement in 2018 to work together after years of ethnic violence but their cooperation has not fallen short of challenges, including the most recent episodes — fighting between state security teams and the militia.

"We shall protect the entire territory of South Sudan like it was our own," Gen Kainerugaba had written on the social media platform X.

"UPDF Commandos arriving in Juba to support South Sudan People's Defence Forces (SSPDF) in the current crisis. Operation 'Mlinzi wa Kimya' has began. God bless UPDF," added Muhoozi, who is also a son of President Yoweri Museveni.

Uganda's army spokesperson Felix Felix Kulayigye also confirmed the deployment to the BBC but declined to reveal details. However, there was no immediate response from the South Sudanese government but speaking to local media later Information Minister Michael Makuei said Ugandan troops were not in Juba.

Concern about the security situation in South Sudan has been mounting, with the US on Saturday ordering the evacuation of all its non-emergency staff from the country. Last week, the deputy chief of the army and two ministers allied to Machar were arrested over the security situation but would be released later.

The arrests followed clashes in the Upper Nile state between government forces and a militia known as the White Army. The ministers have since been released but the situation remains fluid and unpredictable given the suspicions from both sides.

GAROWE ONLINE