By William Madouk
Government of South Sudan has officially acknowledged presence of Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) in the country.
Minister of Information Michael Makuei Lueth told reporters in Juba that the UPDF “technical and support units” is now in South Sudan under a military pact between the two countries, which was originally forged to combat the Lord’s Resistance Army.
“But at present, the UPDF is present here in Juba,” he told reporters.
“Why is it present here in Juba? It is present here in Juba because the government of South Sudan and the government of Uganda have a military pact. A military pact that was signed since the time of LRA,” he added.
Makuei added that he earlier denied the existence of UPDF because the alleged airport in the footage was not Juba International Airport.
He emphasized that the pact allows for mutual defence of ‘people, government, and territorial integrity’ dismissing criticism of the deployment as unwarranted.
Makuei also warned the White Army—a militia the government links to Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO)—to vacate Nasir County in Upper Nile State or face military action.
He urged a regional bloc, the UN and the international community to condemn the White Army and declared it a ‘terrorist organization.
Last week, Uganda’s military chief Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, said on his X account on Tuesday that UPDF special forces had arrived in Juba to provide security aid to President Salva Kiir Mayardit’s administration.
“We shall protect the entire territory of South Sudan like it was our own,” he added on the social media platform X.
He further attached a video showing troops disembarking from an aeroplane at supposed Juba International Airport.
Gen Kainerugaba did not give reasons for the deployment of forces to South Sudan but said that any move against Kiir “is a declaration of war against Uganda”.
Similarly, Uganda’s army spokesperson, Felix Kulaije was quoted by the media confirming the deployment, saying the special forces were deployed to protect the South Sudan government.