By Our Reporter
The government of South Sudan has confirmed the presence of Ugandan troops in its capital, Juba, citing a longstanding military agreement between the two neighboring nations. The deployment follows rising tensions in the South Sudanese town of Nasir, where clashes between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the White Army have escalated.
Michael Makuei Lueth, South Sudan’s Information Minister and government spokesperson, confirmed the deployment of Ugandan People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) troops, stating that the agreement allowing their presence dates back to the fight against the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). According to Makuei, the pact enables the UPDF to provide technical and logistical support to the SSPDF, reinforcing military operations between the two forces.
“This is not a secret; it happens worldwide,” Makuei explained, stressing the long-standing nature of the military collaboration between Uganda and South Sudan. The presence of Ugandan troops, he added, comes in response to the intensifying conflict in Nasir, where recent confrontations between the SSPDF and the White Army have raised concerns.
In a briefing on the situation in Nasir, Makuei confirmed that airstrikes had been carried out by South Sudanese forces, warning the White Army to vacate their assembly areas or face further military action. He downplayed concerns over civilian casualties, stating that those in “hostile areas” bear responsibility for their own safety.
Makuei also urged for the White Army to be formally designated as a terrorist group by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the East African Community (EAC), the African Union (AU), and the United Nations (UN), citing the group’s ongoing role in the conflict.
Uganda-South Sudan Relations
Uganda and South Sudan share a complex history, particularly in terms of military cooperation. The two countries have maintained a strategic alliance for years, especially since South Sudan’s independence in 2011. Uganda has played a significant role in South Sudan’s security, particularly in countering the LRA, a notorious rebel group led by Joseph Kony, which operated across both Uganda and South Sudan.
The military collaboration between the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) was formalized during the LRA insurgency, with Uganda providing direct support to South Sudanese forces. This partnership has evolved over time, with Uganda continuing to support South Sudan’s military operations and providing expertise in various areas, such as counterinsurgency and logistics.
South Sudan, having experienced years of civil war since its independence, relies heavily on regional allies, including Uganda, for military and technical support. The recent confirmation of Ugandan troops in Juba further underscores the depth of this bilateral military cooperation.
As South Sudan faces internal conflicts, particularly in the face of armed groups like the White Army, the role of Uganda’s military forces remains a critical factor in the stability and security of the nation. The ongoing deployment in Juba is a testament to the strong defense ties that exist between the two countries, forged in the fires of past conflicts and continuing through the current security challenges.
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