General Muhoozi Kainerugaba of the UPDF announced the deployment of Ugandan troops to South Sudan to secure President Salva Kiir and Juba. This declaration highlights Uganda’s unwavering support for Kiir, with Kainerugaba warning against any threats to his presidency. His past controversial comments have led to diplomatic tensions, emphasizing the need for prudence in regional security affairs.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defense Forces of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), announced via his social media account that Ugandan troops have been deployed to South Sudan. The purpose of this deployment is to protect President Salva Kiir and secure the capital city of Juba. According to General Kainerugaba, the UPDF recognizes only President Kiir as the legitimate leader of South Sudan.
General Kainerugaba emphasized, “We the UPDF, only recognize ONE President of South Sudan, H.E. Salva Kiir, he is our ‘Afande’ even in UPDF… Any move against him is a declaration of war against Uganda!” He also stated, “As of 2 days ago, our Special Forces units entered Juba to secure it,” indicating the seriousness of their mission to safeguard South Sudan’s territory as if it were Uganda’s own.
Known for controversial statements on social media, General Kainerugaba’s previous comments have often sparked diplomatic tensions. For instance, he issued a warning to white mercenaries operating in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which prompted the DRC government to summon Uganda’s Acting Chargé d’Affaires for clarification regarding Uganda’s stance on his statements.
In December 2024, the Sudanese government demanded an apology from Uganda for what it considered offensive remarks regarding the potential seizure of Khartoum. Sudan’s foreign ministry described General Kainerugaba’s comments as reckless and an affront to international law and norms relating to state behavior. They emphasized the gravity of threats concerning war and violations of sovereignty.
Previously, General Kainerugaba had also threatened to invade Kenya, which led to an official apology from President Museveni on his behalf. His involvement in South Sudan is longstanding, dating back to the UPDF’s intervention during the civil conflicts that began in December 2013, initially aimed to protect civilians and maintain order around Juba International Airport. However, the mission expanded to combatting rebel forces, leading to accusations regarding the use of cluster bombs against insurgents.
The recent deployment of Ugandan troops to South Sudan by General Muhoozi Kainerugaba underscores Uganda’s unwavering support for President Salva Kiir amid ongoing tensions. Kainerugaba’s statements reflect a strong stance which has historically stirred diplomatic challenges. His controversial social media remarks have led to international backlash, showcasing the delicate nature of regional politics in East Africa. This situation calls for careful diplomatic engagement to promote peace and stability in the region.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
