South Sudan’s government has dismissed reports that Uganda deployed special forces to Juba.
Uganda’s military chief, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, had earlier stated that the troops were sent to help South Sudanese President Salva Kiir “secure” the capital amid rising tensions with his deputy, Riek Machar. His remarks fueled concerns that the fragile peace deal between the two leaders could collapse, potentially reigniting conflict.
“We shall protect the entire territory of South Sudan like it was our own,” Gen. Kainerugaba posted on X.
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Ugandan army spokesperson Felix Kulayigye also confirmed the deployment to the BBC but withheld further details.
Initially, South Sudanese officials remained silent on the matter. However, Information Minister Michael Makuei later denied the presence of Ugandan troops in Juba while speaking to local media.
Security concerns in South Sudan have been growing. On Saturday, the US ordered the evacuation of its non-essential staff from the country.
Last week, government forces arrested the deputy army chief and two ministers—all allies of Machar. The opposition condemned the arrests as a “grave violation” of the peace agreement. One minister has since been released.
The arrests came after clashes in Upper Nile state between government forces and the White Army militia, which had previously fought alongside Machar during the 2013 civil war triggered by his power struggle with Kiir. The conflict left over 400,000 people dead.
A 2018 peace deal halted the fighting, but key provisions—including a new constitution, elections, and the integration of armed groups—remain unimplemented.
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