The South Sudanese government affirms Uganda’s military presence in Juba under a historical pact to combat threats like the LRA. Minister Michael Makuei stated the UPDF’s deployment is a continuation of existing security measures. Uganda’s military leadership has pledged support for President Salva Kiir amid rising tensions with political rivals, highlighting the complex dynamics in the region.
The South Sudanese government is defending the presence of Ugandan troops in Juba, affirming that this deployment is consistent with a longstanding military agreement aimed at combating threats such as the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). Minister of Information Michael Makuei Leuth emphasized that Uganda’s military involvement through Operation ‘Mlinzi wa Kimya’ is not a new initiative but an extension of an existing security arrangement between the nations.
Makuei stated, “The government of South Sudan and the government of Uganda have a military pact that was signed since the time of LRA. This agreement has not been nullified, but we use it when necessary.” He explained that the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) troops deployed in Juba are primarily support and technical units assisting the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF).
Despite earlier denials regarding UPDF’s presence, the troops are seen as essential for reinforcing President Salva Kiir’s government amidst increasing political strife and military tensions. Reports indicate escalating hostilities involving government forces and the White Army, particularly in Upper Nile State, alongside significant political arrests, including that of SPLA-IO Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Gabriel Duop Lam.
Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, has publicly shown support for Kiir, cautioning that any opposition to him would be perceived as an act of war against Uganda. He remarked, “We the UPDF (Ugandan military) only recognize one President of South Sudan, H.E. Salva Kiir… Any move against him is a declaration of war against Uganda.” This sentiment has been echoed in a resolution passed by Uganda’s ruling NRM Parliamentary Caucus, which supports the military deployment to stabilize the situation.
Recently, Uganda has intensified its military support by sending additional troops and heavy artillery to South Sudan. The recent intensification of conflict escalated when the White Army seized Nasir, a strategic location near the Ethiopian border, leading to retaliatory airstrikes to obstruct their access to supplies. The United Nations and other regional bodies have yet to provide a response to Uganda’s rationale for its ongoing military presence in South Sudan under the historical anti-LRA framework.
The South Sudanese government’s justification of Ugandan military support underlines a longstanding bilateral arrangement aimed at addressing security challenges. With ongoing political and military turmoil, including recent confrontations with the White Army, Uganda’s military presence is characterized as a necessary reinforcement of national stability. Statements of allegiance from Ugandan military leaders further underscore the regional geopolitical stakes, although international reactions remain pending.
Original Source: chimpreports.com
