Uganda's Controversial Military Deployment to South Sudan sparks controversy

On March 11, 2025, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda's Chief of Defence Forces, announced the deployment of the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) special forces to Juba, South Sudan.

This operation, named 'Mlinzi wa Kimya' (The Silent Guardian), is designed to assist the South Sudan People's Defence Force (SSPDF) in maintaining security in their capital amid growing tensions between President Salva Kiir and First Vice-President Riek Machar.

However, the move has sparked controversy within Uganda's own government. Defence Minister Jacob Oboth expressed his unawareness of the UPDF's presence in South Sudan, stating he had not attended any meetings that would authorize such an operation. He has asked Parliament for more time to look into these claims.

This issue was highlighted by Member of Parliament Ssemujju Nganda from Kira Municipality, who urged Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa to halt parliamentary proceedings until the government could clarify the situation regarding the UPDF's deployment, which occurred without the necessary approval from Parliament.

Adding to the confusion are statements from South Sudanese officials who deny the presence of Ugandan troops. Both Michael Makuei, the South Sudanese Minister of Information, and Apuk Ayuel Mayen, a spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry, have refuted claims made by General Kainerugaba about Ugandan troops operating in their country.