By Faridah N Kulumba
Africa-Press – Uganda. The president of the Republic of Uganda H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni travelled to Juba, South Sudan recently, at the invitation of President Salva Kiir Mayardit, amidst rising tension in the world’s youngest country. Gen Museveni arrived in South Sudan on 3rd April 2025. The two East African leaders’ discussions aimed at bolstering bilateral ties amid escalating political tensions in the region.
Renewed conflict
South Sudan is teetering on the edge of renewed conflict, following the latest clashes between SSPDF and the White Army, a Nuer youth militia that has overrun government positions in Upper Nile State. The situation has escalated further with political arrests in Juba and accusations that First Vice President Riek Machar’s SPLA-IO faction is backing the White Army’s advance. The arrest of Machar and the subsequent outbreak of violence in Rejaf, Wunaliet, and parts of Upper Nile State have plunged the world’s youngest nation into its most serious political crisis since the 2018 peace deal. United Nations (UN) officials have warned that unilateral actions could push the country back into full-scale conflict, with regional consequences. Both the UN and AU have called for immediate restraint, urging leaders to put the interests of the South Sudanese people first. Also in March 2025, President Kiir ordered the arrests of SPLA-IO’s Chief of Staff, Lt. General Gabriel Duop Lam, and the Minister of Petroleum, Puot Kang. Also the deputy chief of the army and two ministers – all allies of Machar – were arrested by the security forces, which an opposition spokesman called a “grave violation” of the peace deal. These developments have raised fears of a return to conflict reminiscent of the 2013-2018 civil war, which resulted in approximately 400,000 deaths and displaced nearly a third of the population.
Uganda’s involvement
Uganda has historically played a major role in South Sudanese affairs, both as a military backer of the Juba government and a regional mediator. The Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) have intervened in South Sudanese conflicts before, including during the 2013–2016 civil war. At that time, UPDF was deployed to secure key government installations, including the State House, the army headquarters, and Juba International Airport. In March 2025, Uganda Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) General Muhoozi Kainerugaba announced the deployment of the country’s Special Forces units to Juba amid rising political and security tensions in South Sudan. General Muhoozi also son of President Museveni was among the commanders of the UPDF special military operation to protect Juba in 2013, warned that any move against President Kiir would be considered a declaration of war against Uganda. “We, the UPDF, only recognize ONE President of South Sudan, H.E. Salva Kiir. He is our ‘Afande’ even in UPDF because he is the younger brother of Mzee! Any move against him is a declaration of war against Uganda!” said Muhoozi.The latest intervention signals Uganda’s direct military commitment to preserving Kiir’s hold on power at a time when the Revitalized Peace Agreement is under extreme strain. Uganda’s move to deploy the UPDF to Juba drastically shifts the power balance in South Sudan’s internal conflict. The move strengthens Kiir’s position militarily and politically while sending a clear message to opposition forces that any attempt to challenge his rule will face regional military retaliation.
The talk between Museveni and Kiir
President Museveni held talks with his South Sudanese counterpart Kiir to address the current political and security development in the country and the entire region, the presidency said in a statement released in Juba on Friday. According to the statement that was issued by the presidency , during the visit, Museveni engaged with various political parties, including representatives from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO), to help enhance political unity. “This meeting aimed to promote dialogue and cooperation among South Sudanese factions, which is essential for the country’s ongoing journey toward stability,” said the statement. The statement added that President Museveni is credited for brokering South Sudan’s 2018 peace deal that ended a civil war and formed the current unity government, convened with signatories of the peace agreement to evaluate the current status of its implementation. Museveni, in a post on the social media platform X, said he had good discussions with Kiir. “We addressed key issues of peace, security, and the socio-economic landscape, particularly how to harmonize our trade policies and enhance cross-border trade between our two countries,” Museveni said. South Sudan’s Foreign Minister Ramadan Mohammed Abdallah Goc described the visit as “successful,” highlighting the positive outcomes of the discussions. Sources said Museveni’s visit aimed at shoring up the ongoing mediation efforts by the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, an East Africa bloc, to help de-escalate political tensions in South Sudan. The government of Uganda’s previous and present involvement provoked retaliatory actions from opposition factions and escalated tensions with regional players who viewed Kampala’s move as an overreach into South Sudan’s sovereignty.
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