The South Sudan government justifies the presence of Ugandan troops in Juba as a continuation of a long-standing military pact aimed at addressing threats like the LRA. Minister Michael Makuei asserts that this deployment supports President Salva Kiir amid rising tensions with opposition leader Riek Machar. Uganda’s military chief warns that any actions against Kiir would be seen as a declaration of war, which reflects Uganda’s commitment to South Sudan’s stability.
The South Sudanese government has endorsed the presence of Ugandan military forces in Juba, asserting that this deployment aligns with a historic bilateral military agreement aimed at combating threats like the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). Michael Makuei Leuth, Minister of Information, explained that the Ugandan People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) are part of Operation ‘Mlinzi wa Kimya’ and represent an extension of an established security arrangement between South Sudan and Uganda.
Makuei emphasized, “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. The UPDF forces that arrived in Juba are support units and technical units. They have come to support their brothers and sisters in the SSPDF.” Despite earlier denials, the government now acknowledges the UPDF’s presence, which serves to bolster President Salva Kiir’s authority amid increasing political tension with rival Riek Machar.
The troop deployment occurs against a backdrop of escalating instability in South Sudan, with ongoing clashes between government forces and the White Army in Upper Nile State. Furthermore, violent incidents—including an attack on a UN helicopter and the detention of prominent opposition figures—have created an environment of uncertainty and conflict.
In a recent statement, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, expressed overt support for President Kiir, asserting that any actions taken against him would be perceived as a declaration of war by 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.”
The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) Parliamentary Caucus in Uganda has also shown its backing for the troop deployment, advocating for measures aimed at restoring stability in the region. Following this, Uganda has dispatched additional troops and heavy artillery to South Sudan, enhancing its military support for Kiir’s government. The situation intensified recently when the White Army captured the town of Nasir, accompanied by aerial assaults on the airstrip intended to thwart supply deliveries to them.
The United Nations and regional stakeholders have yet to provide commentary on Uganda’s rationale for its military presence in South Sudan, referencing the longstanding anti-LRA military agreement that governs their cooperation.
In summary, South Sudan has reaffirmed Uganda’s military presence in the region on the basis of a historical bilateral agreement to combat the LRA. This strategic deployment is aimed at reinforcing President Salva Kiir’s leadership amidst escalating political strife. The support from Uganda’s military indicates a commitment to maintaining stability in the area, although it raises questions regarding regional security and the implications for ongoing tensions with rival factions.
Original Source: chimpreports.com
