UPDF Troops Arrive in Juba to Secure South Sudan Capital

Uganda has deployed elite special forces to Juba, South Sudan, to support President Kiir’s government, under Operation ‘Mlinzi wa Kimya’. General Muhoozi Kainerugaba warned that any threat to Kiir would be viewed as an act of war against Uganda. Recent tensions, marked by arrests of Kiir’s political opponents and subsequent clashes, have raised alarms about the stability of the 2018 peace agreement. Regional and international responses are being mobilized as violence escalates.

The Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) has dispatched elite special forces to Juba, South Sudan, aimed at securing the capital and reinforcing the government of President Salva Kiir. General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces and Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, announced this deployment on Tuesday through social media, confirming that Operation ‘Mlinzi wa Kimya’ (Silent Guardian) is now underway.

General Kainerugaba emphasized that any aggression against President Kiir would equate to a declaration of war on Uganda, pledging to protect South Sudan as if it were Uganda’s own territory. While the South Sudanese government has not officially commented on the deployment, the climate between President Kiir and his deputy, Riek Machar, has deteriorated, raising fears about the stability of the 2018 peace agreement.

Recently, tensions escalated following the arrest of two ministers and the deputy chief of the army, allies of Machar, which was condemned as a serious breach of the peace accord. Amidst this turmoil, clashes erupted in the Upper Nile State between government forces and a militia group known as the White Army, further complicating the already volatile situation.

The ongoing unrest prompted the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to schedule an extraordinary summit on March 12, 2025, to deliberate on the worsening crisis in South Sudan. IGAD reaffirmed its dedication to fostering dialogue and promoting peace within the region. Concurrently, the United States has initiated the evacuation of non-emergency diplomatic personnel from South Sudan due to increasing violence and concerns over civilian armament.

Having gained independence in 2011, South Sudan is acknowledged as the world’s youngest nation. It spiraled into a civil war two years later, catalyzed by a rivalry between Kiir and Machar. While the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement ceased major conflicts, key aspects remain unfulfilled, continuing to contribute to the prevailing tensions within the country.

The deployment of UPDF troops to Juba signifies Uganda’s commitment to supporting President Salva Kiir’s government amidst escalating tensions with opposition leader Riek Machar. As violence rises, international and regional entities are mobilizing to address the crisis. The fragile peace established in 2018 remains at risk due to unfulfilled agreements and unresolved disputes. Ultimately, the situation calls for urgent attention to prevent further deterioration of peace and stability in South Sudan.

Original Source: softpower.ug