JUBA, South Sudan — The South Sudanese government has firmly denied claims by Uganda’s military chief, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, that Ugandan special forces have been deployed in Juba to protect President Salva Kiir’s administration. Government spokesperson Michael Makuei stated that there are no Ugandan forces in the capital and that Juba remains calm despite recent political tensions.
The denial comes in response to statements made by Gen. Kainerugaba, who announced on social media that Ugandan troops had entered Juba to “secure it,” expressing strong support for President Kiir and warning that any opposition against him would be considered a declaration of war against Uganda.
Tensions in South Sudan have escalated following clashes in Nasir, where an armed youth group linked to First Vice President Riek Machar seized the town, resulting in the deaths of dozens of soldiers. These developments have raised concerns about the stability of the 2018 peace agreement that ended a five-year civil war, which claimed nearly 400,000 lives.
Uganda has a history of intervening in South Sudan’s conflicts, having deployed troops in 2013 and 2016 to support President Kiir’s forces against those loyal to Machar. However, the South Sudanese government’s current denial of Ugandan troop presence in Juba suggests a complex and potentially strained relationship between the neighboring countries.
There are concerns that the recent clashes and political tensions could lead to a resurgence of widespread violence in the region. Efforts to maintain the fragile peace and prevent further escalation are ongoing, as stakeholders emphasize the importance of dialogue and adherence to the peace agreement.
