General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), has confirmed the deployment of Ugandan troops to South Sudan to assist in stabilizing the country amid ongoing clashes.
In a statement shared on his social media pages, Gen. Muhoozi announced that UPDF commandos had arrived in the South Sudanese capital, Juba, to support the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) during the current crisis. The operation has been named “Mlinzi wa Kimya.”
The violence in South Sudan has been escalating, particularly in the northern region, where heavy fighting has broken out between government forces and a rebel militia known as the White Army.
This group is widely believed to be aligned with Vice President Riek Machar, a key figure in the country’s long-running conflict.
“Tensions have been heightened by political alliances, with the troop deployment seen as a show of support, as South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni are considered close allies.”.
The clashes, which erupted on Sunday, have already claimed at least 16 lives, including that of a soldier.
The violence is centered in Nagero County, where the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) are engaged in combat with the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in Opposition (SPLA-IO). The situation remains volatile as efforts to mediate peace continue.
