Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s Army Chief, confirmed UPDF troops have been deployed in South Sudan to protect President Salva Kiir and secure Juba. He declared that any threat against Kiir would be treated as an act of war against Uganda. Kainerugaba’s past controversial statements have strained Uganda’s diplomatic relationships, raising concerns about his rhetoric and its implications for regional stability.
Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defense Forces of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), announced the deployment of Ugandan troops to South Sudan early Tuesday via his X (formerly Twitter) account. He stated that the purpose of this deployment is to protect President Salva Kiir and secure the capital, Juba. Kainerugaba emphasized that the UPDF recognizes only Salva Kiir as the legitimate President of South Sudan, declaring that any threat against him would be perceived as an act of war against Uganda.
Kainerugaba detailed that UPDF Special Forces units had entered Juba to secure the area, asserting, “We shall protect the entire territory of South Sudan like it was our own.” His statements reflect a strong commitment to defending Kiir’s government, which he regards as a brotherly bond to Uganda’s leadership. However, Gen. Kainerugaba’s history of controversial comments on social media has often strained Uganda’s diplomatic relations with its neighbors.
Previous remarks have sparked significant backlash, including threatening to attack mercenaries in the Democratic Republic of Congo and issuing aggressive statements regarding Sudan. For instance, Sudan’s government summoned Uganda’s Chargé d’Affaires following Kainerugaba’s comments perceived as threatening to seize Khartoum, prompting calls for condemnation from the African Union and international organizations.
Kainerugaba’s posts have occasionally been deleted due to their provocative nature, with one Sudanese statement labeling his comments as reckless and irresponsible. This kind of rhetoric has raised concerns over international law and regional stability, highlighting a disturbing trend in Kainerugaba’s approach to foreign affairs.
Historically, the UPDF has intervened in South Sudan during the civil conflict that began in December 2013, initially focusing on protecting Ugandans and other nationals. The Ugandan forces quickly expanded their operations, leading to accusations of using prohibited weapons, such as cluster bombs, against opposition forces. Kainerugaba’s recent deployment seems to reiterate this historical involvement, suggesting a continued Ugandan influence in South Sudan’s volatile political landscape.
Gen. Kainerugaba’s recent announcement of UPDF troop deployment to South Sudan underlines Uganda’s commitment to defending President Salva Kiir. However, his history of controversial statements raises questions about diplomatic relations and regional stability. The UPDF’s historical interventions in South Sudan further complicate the narrative, emphasizing Uganda’s significant role in the country’s conflicts and governance issues. Overall, the situation reflects ongoing tensions and the complexities of regional security in East Africa.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
