Ugandan forces have entered South Sudan to bolster the capital’s security and support the government of President Salva Kiir, Uganda’s top military official confirmed Monday.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Commander of the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF), said in a statement on X (formerly Twitter) that elite UPDF units arrived in Juba two days ago as part of a new mission, codenamed Operation Mlinzi wa Kimya (“Protector of Peace”), to prevent instability and protect South Sudan’s leadership.
“We shall protect the entire territory of South Sudan like it was our own,” Kainerugaba declared. “The UPDF only recognizes one President of South Sudan — Salva Kiir. Any move against him is a declaration of war against Uganda.”
The number of troops deployed has not been publicly disclosed, and the South Sudanese government has yet to officially confirm Uganda’s military presence in the country.
The move comes amid growing political unrest in South Sudan after forces loyal to Kiir reportedly detained two opposition ministers and several senior military officers. At least one has since been released. The arrests followed violent clashes between government troops and the White Army militia — a force predominantly composed of fighters from the Nuer ethnic group, aligned with Vice President Riek Machar.
Despite rising tensions, South Sudanese officials have denied claims that the country is on the brink of renewed civil conflict. Uganda’s intervention, however, signals increasing regional concern over the fragile political situation.
