South Sudan defends Uganda’s military presence under an old pact to combat threats like the LRA. Minister Makuei clarifies this deployment is an extension of existing relations. Ugandan forces support President Kiir amid political tensions with Riek Machar. Gen. Muhoozi warns any aggression towards Kiir leads to conflict with Uganda. The situation highlights instability in South Sudan, with implications for regional security.
The South Sudanese government has justified Uganda’s military presence in Juba, asserting that the deployment of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) aligns with a long-standing bilateral military pact intended to combat threats like the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). Minister of Information Michael Makuei Leuth clarified that this operation, termed ‘Mlinzi wa Kimya,’ is a continuation of established security cooperation, rather than a new intervention.
Makuei emphasized the enduring nature of the military agreement with Uganda, stating, “The government of South Sudan and the government of Uganda have a military pact that was signed since the time of LRA.” The UPDF’s newly arrived forces in Juba consist of support and technical units to assist the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF).
Despite initial denials regarding UPDF’s presence, the deployment is seen as a strategic move to bolster President Salva Kiir’s authority in light of escalating political unrest with First Vice President Riek Machar. Recent conflicts have arisen between government troops and the White Army in Upper Nile State, heightened by attacks on UN personnel and the arrest of prominent opposition officials.
Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, publicly reiterated Uganda’s commitment to Kiir, stating that any aggression against him would be perceived as a declaration of war against Uganda. He articulated, “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 Uganda’s ruling NRM Parliamentary Caucus has endorsed the troop deployment, highlighting its necessity for restoring stability and preventing further conflict. Recently, Uganda reinforced its military support by sending more troops and artillery to South Sudan.
An escalation in violence was marked by the White Army’s capture of the strategic town Nasir, which triggered airstrike responses from the army. The circumstances surrounding Uganda’s troop presence under the old military agreement concerning the LRA remain unaddressed by the UN and regional organizations, leaving the situation without external commentary.
The article outlines the justification provided by South Sudan for Uganda’s military presence under an existing pact aimed at combatting threats like the LRA. Minister Makuei asserts the significance of this bilateral agreement, while Gen. Muhoozi’s statements emphasize Uganda’s unwavering support for President Salva Kiir amid rising tensions with opposition forces. The situation reflects a complex interplay of local military dynamics and regional alliances, warranting further scrutiny and involvement from international actors.
Original Source: chimpreports.com
