Ugandan Special Forces Deployed to Juba Amid Rising Tensions

Ugandan Special Forces units have entered South Sudan’s capital, Juba, to secure it amid escalating tensions, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Muhoozi Kainerugaba has confirmed.

The deployment, which took place two days ago, follows reports of renewed instability in the country, particularly after the deadly clashes in Nasir County that led to the death of General Majur Dak Thel and several South Sudanese officers. While the Ugandan government has not given details on the scope of the operation, sources indicate that the Special Forces are securing strategic areas in Juba to prevent potential unrest.

Uganda has historically played a key role in stabilizing South Sudan, having deployed forces in the past to support President Salva Kiir’s administration during previous conflicts. The latest move indicates Kampala’s continued commitment to regional security.

South Sudan President Salva Kiir (R) and his vice Riek Machar

General Muhoozi’s statement comes at a time when South Sudanese leadership, including President Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, faces pressure to maintain peace amid growing political and military uncertainty.

On Sunday, the US ordered nonemergency government personnel to leave South Sudan’s capital as tension escalates because of fighting in the north.

READ ALSO: US Orders Nonemergency Staff to Leave South Sudan as Tensions Escalate

The travel advisory issued on Sunday stated that fighting was ongoing and that “weapons are readily available to the population.”

An armed group clashed with the country’s army on Tuesday, leading to the arrests of two government ministers and a deputy army chief allied to former rebel turned Vice President Riek Machar.

Machar’s home was surrounded by the army as his supporters said that the arrests were threatening the country’s peace agreement.