The reported deployment of Uganda People's Defense Forces
(UPDF) in Juba to maintain security has raised concerns among citizens and
activists, despite the South Sudanese government's denial of UPDF presence in
the city.
Uganda’s military chief, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, announced
via his official X account the deployment of special forces to
"secure" Juba amid rising tensions from the deadly Nasir conflict
between the government and the white army.
This development has sparked debate among South Sudanese
activists and citizens.
Ter Manyang, Executive Director of the Center for Peace and
Advocacy, voiced deep concern, stressing that Uganda, as a guarantor of the
peace agreement, should prioritize diplomatic engagement over military
intervention.
“I am deeply concerned about this little development. Uganda
is one of the guarantors of the peace agreement. They're not supposed to be
involved in the military intervention,” Manyang stated, warning that such
actions could destabilize regional politics and jeopardize the peace process.
“This is going to jeopardize the regional politics or
geopolitics in the regions because the state of Uganda is supposed to be
involved in terms of diplomacy, not military intervention. This is really
making a concern for a lot of citizens, especially the East Africa region and
the IGAD.”
After nearly a full day without an official statement from
the government, Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment
for Progress Organization, criticized the South Sudanese authorities for their
silence on the issue.
“We don't want to see the silence of the government. This is
allowing people who like to use misinformation and disinformation to spread the
news that is causing havoc and is already a public debate among the citizens,”
Yakani said.
“The silence is either because it is true, and the
government doesn't want to acknowledge it, or the silence is also because the
government is unable to provide its approved information.”
Despite speculations of acknowledgment from South Sudanese
social media users, South Sudan's government spokesperson, Michael Makuei, in
an interview with Eye Radio, refuted Gen. Kainerugaba's claims that Uganda had sent
military intervention to secure Juba.
The situation is further complicated by recent clashes in
Nasir between the South Sudan People's Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the white
army, leading to casualties and raising fears about the fragility of the 2018
peace agreement.
Detentions of opposition figures, including SPLM-IO
ministers and military officers, have added to the tension, prompting calls
from regional leaders and international bodies for dialogue and de-escalation.
Uganda's previous military interventions in South Sudan,
notably in 2013 and 2016, were aimed at supporting President Kiir's government
during civil conflicts.
These past actions, along with the current deployment, continue to influence perceptions and concerns about Uganda's role in South Sudan's internal affairs.
