South Sudan Denies Presence of Ugandan Troops in Juba Amid Rising Tensions

Juba, South Sudan – March 12, 2025

The South Sudanese government has strongly denied claims made by Uganda's army chief, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, that Ugandan special forces were deployed in Juba to protect President Salva Kiir’s administration. South Sudan’s Minister of Information and government spokesperson, Michael Makuei, dismissed the assertion, stating that there are no Ugandan troops in the capital and that the city remains under control despite recent political tensions.

Makuei emphasized that South Sudan has not requested military intervention from Uganda and that the government maintains full control of security in Juba.

 "There are no Ugandan forces in Juba, and the city is stable. We have not invited any foreign troops into our country," he stated during a press briefing in Juba.

The denial follows a social media post by Gen. Kainerugaba, son of Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni and commander of the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF), in which he claimed that Ugandan troops had entered Juba to “secure” the capital. The post sparked widespread speculation about Uganda’s military involvement in South Sudan’s internal affairs.

The controversy comes at a time of heightened instability in South Sudan, particularly after recent clashes in Nasir, Upper Nile State. Armed youth fighters allegedly linked to First Vice-President Riek Machar’s Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO) seized control of a town, leading to deadly confrontations that resulted in the deaths of dozens of soldiers. The violence has raised concerns about the fragility of the country’s 2018 peace agreement.

Despite South Sudan’s firm denial, Uganda has not officially retracted Gen. Kainerugaba’s statement, adding to regional uncertainty. Analysts suggest that any Ugandan military presence in South Sudan without formal approval could escalate tensions between the two neighboring nations.

The situation remains fluid, with both governments under pressure to clarify their positions and reassure their citizens. Diplomatic sources indicate that efforts are underway to prevent further misunderstandings between Juba and Kampala.

Regional Implications

Uganda has historically played a key role in South Sudan’s security affairs, having previously deployed troops during the early years of the country’s civil war. However, with South Sudan attempting to assert its sovereignty and manage its internal affairs, any perceived external interference could complicate the fragile peace process.

Observers will be watching closely for further developments as both countries navigate this diplomatic standoff.