Uganda Army Chief’s Controversial Remarks on Nuer Engagement in South Sudan

General Muhoozi Kainerugaba of Uganda has expressed weariness over confrontations with South Sudan’s Nuer, suggesting their surrender may lead to peace. He implicated that a gift of 1,000 cows would cease hostilities. His past statements have caused diplomatic tensions, notably with the DRC and Sudan, raising questions regarding military engagement and regional peace.

General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defense Forces of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces and the son of the Ugandan president, announced on social media that he is fatigued from the confrontation with the Nuer ethnic group in South Sudan. He provocatively implied that the Nuer should capitulate to prevent further violence and suggested that offering him 1,000 cows could halt hostilities.

On March 11, Gen. Kainerugaba stated that Ugandan troops are in South Sudan primarily to safeguard President Salva Kiir and ensure the security of the capital, Juba. He underscored the UPDF’s stance of recognizing only Kiir as South Sudan’s legitimate president, warning that any actions against him would be perceived as an act of war against Uganda.

Notorious for his contentious social media posts, Gen. Kainerugaba has previously stirred diplomatic tensions with neighboring nations. Last December, he issued a stark warning to foreign mercenaries in the Democratic Republic of Congo, threatening military action against them starting January 2, 2025.

The Ugandan Government faced diplomatic backlash after these remarks; the DRC demanded clarifications on Uganda’s military stance, while Sudan called for an official apology after Kainerugaba’s threats to seize Khartoum. The Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs characterized his comments as reckless and irresponsible, challenging international legal norms and the sovereignty of states.

Gen. Kainerugaba’s past threats included declarations to invade Kenya, which prompted an apology from President Museveni following rising tensions. His history with South Sudan includes a controversial intervention by the UPDF after civil unrest erupted in December 2013, where they later undertook broader military operations due to ongoing conflict.

In summary, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba has stirred significant controversy with his recent statements about the Nuer in South Sudan, suggesting violent confrontation should escalate unless there is submission. His previous engagements, laden with diplomatic repercussions, highlight a pattern of provocative rhetoric that raises questions about the role of the Ugandan military in regional stability. Kainerugaba’s remarks further exemplify the tenuous nature of relationships between Uganda and its neighbors, particularly amid ongoing conflict in South Sudan.

Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org