General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s Chief of Defense Forces, announced the deployment of UPDF troops to South Sudan to protect President Salva Kiir and secure Juba. He emphasized support for Kiir, claiming opposition to him equals war against Uganda. Known for inflammatory remarks, this deployment could escalate regional tensions as it echoes his previous controversial statements towards other nations.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Chief of Defense Forces of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the son of President Yoweri Museveni, announced the deployment of Ugandan troops to South Sudan. Initially conveyed via his X (formerly Twitter) account, he stated the troops are there to ensure the protection of President Salva Kiir and secure the capital city, Juba.
In his message, General Kainerugaba asserted that the UPDF exclusively recognizes President Salva Kiir as the legitimate leader of South Sudan, claiming that any actions against him could be interpreted as a declaration of war on Uganda. He emphasized, “We the UPDF, only recognize ONE President of South Sudan, H.E. Salva Kiir… Any move against him is a declaration of war against Uganda!”.
Further elaborating, he mentioned that UPDF Special Forces had already entered Juba to safeguard the area. He concluded his announcement by affirming that the UPDF intends to protect South Sudan with the same vigilance it would for Uganda, stating, “We shall protect the entire territory of South Sudan like it was our own. That is the will of the Commander-in-Chief!”.
General Kainerugaba is known for his provocative remarks on social media, which have historically led to diplomatic tensions with neighboring countries. Notably, he previously issued a warning against foreign mercenaries in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which prompted a formal response from the DRC government seeking clarification on Uganda’s official stance regarding the threats.
His aggressive rhetoric has also been met with backlash from Sudan, particularly following his comments suggesting an intent to seize Khartoum. Sudan’s foreign ministry condemned his statements as reckless and a breach of international norms. They referred to his remarks as embodying a dangerous precedent that undermines diplomatic respect among nations.
General Kainerugaba’s history with South Sudan dates back to the civil conflict that erupted in 2013, during which the UPDF was tasked with securing critical areas such as Juba International Airport. The role of the UPDF evolved, leading to combat engagements against rebel factions, including incidents involving controversial tactics reportedly utilizing cluster bombs against adversaries.
In summary, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s announcement regarding the deployment of Ugandan troops in South Sudan underscores the UPDF’s unwavering support for President Salva Kiir. His remarks have sparked tensions with neighboring countries and highlighted the complex dynamics of regional security and diplomacy. His history of controversial statements and military interventions reflects the delicate balance between national interests and international relations in East Africa.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
