South Sudan defends the Ugandan military presence in Juba as a continuation of a longstanding military pact aimed at combating groups like the LRA. The deployment seeks to reinforce President Kiir’s position amid rising political tensions, with Uganda’s military leaders declaring unwavering support for Kiir. The situation remains complex with ongoing conflicts, including the capture of Nasir by the White Army.
The South Sudanese government has justified the presence of Ugandan troops in Juba, asserting that their deployment, under the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), aligns with an older bilateral military agreement aimed at combating hostile groups such as the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). Observer sentiments have been echoed by South Sudan’s Minister of Information, Michael Makuei Leuth, emphasizing that this move does not signify a new intervention, but an extension of a historical security pact.
Minister Makuei stated, “The government of South Sudan and the government of Uganda have a military pact that was signed since the time of LRA.” He elaborated that the UPDF forces entering Juba comprise support and technical units here to aid their South Sudanese counterparts in the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF).
Previously, Juba had denied allegations regarding the presence of UPDF troops. This deployment seeks to bolster President Salva Kiir’s position amidst escalating political strains with his rival, First Vice President Riek Machar. Rising military conflicts that include skirmishes involving government forces and the White Army in Upper Nile State accompany recent political upheaval, alongside incidents such as the assault on a UN helicopter in Nasir.
Furthermore, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has publicly pledged allegiance to President Kiir, stating unequivocally that any opposition to Kiir would equate to a declaration of war against Uganda. His remarks, shared on X, reaffirmed that “Any move against him is a declaration of war against Uganda.”
The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) Parliamentary Caucus in Uganda has also supported the troop deployment, viewing it as essential for restoring peace and mitigating conflict escalation. In a strategic move, Uganda dispatched additional troops and heavy artillery to South Sudan to fortify support for President Kiir.
Moreover, the White Army, affiliated with Machar, recently captured the town of Nasir, crucial for its proximity to the Ethiopian border. In response, the Ugandan army launched airstrikes targeting the Nasir airstrip, likely to obstruct the White Army from receiving outside assistance. As of now, the United Nations and regional entities have refrained from commenting on Uganda’s rationale for maintaining troop presence in South Sudan under the existing anti-LRA military agreement.
The deployment of Ugandan troops in South Sudan represents a continuing military arrangement rooted in a historical pact to combat negative entities such as the LRA. This intervention, justified by South Sudanese authorities as a necessity for bolstering the government amidst internal strife, has garnered support from Uganda’s military leadership. Tensions remain heightened, given recent confrontations and political unrest in the region, drawing attention from international observers.
Original Source: chimpreports.com
