Uganda has deployed additional military forces to South Sudan to bolster its presence amid escalating conflict between government forces and armed groups. This action is part of “Operation Mlinzi wa Kimya” and is justified by a longstanding military pact between the nations. Concerns arise among opposition factions regarding the intent of the deployment, as tensions continue to mount within South Sudan.
On March 20, 2025, Uganda deployed additional military forces to South Sudan as part of “Operation Mlinzi wa Kimya,” aimed at reinforcing its military presence amid escalating conflicts between government forces and armed groups. This troop movement follows recent fighting in Upper Nile State and political unrest in Juba.
Acting army spokesman Colonel Chris Magezi confirmed the reinforcement, emphasizing the commitment of the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) to regional stability and support for South Sudanese government forces. Prior to deployment, UPDF Commander Land Forces, Lt. Gen. Kayanja Muhanga, briefed troops at the 4 Infantry Division Headquarters in Gulu, urging vigilance for upcoming mission tasks.
The mission, which commenced on March 11, 2025, initially inserted special operations forces through Juba International Airport. Since then, other UPDF task force elements have been deployed via Bibia and Nimule along the Uganda-South Sudan border, under the command of Brig. Gen. Anthony Mbuusi Lukwago, a seasoned officer experienced in counterinsurgency.
The intervention has ignited regional debate, yet the South Sudanese government has defended Uganda’s military presence, citing a previous bilateral military pact intended to combat threats such as the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). South Sudan’s Minister of Information, Michael Makuei Leuth, confirmed that the UPDF’s presence is an extension of this security arrangement, stating the agreement remains valid and is utilized when necessary.
Despite official justifications for the deployment, opposition activists contend it primarily serves to bolster President Salva Kiir’s government amid rising tensions with opposition forces. Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, asserted any actions against Kiir would equate to a “declaration of war against Uganda.”
The situation in South Sudan has deteriorated further with renewed clashes between government forces and the White Army, a dominant Nuer militia involved in severe conflicts. Recent fighting in Upper Nile State, particularly near Nasir, resulted in the death of a crew member from a UN helicopter and a high-ranking South Sudanese general.
Minister Makuei has issued a directive for the White Army to retreat from government-declared military zones, warning that those remaining would be treated as “negative forces.” He emphasized that civilians found in military zones would also face the consequences of their presence.
The Uganda National Resistance Movement (NRM) Parliamentary Caucus has officially backed the UPDF deployment to avert additional instability, while the UN and other international actors have not yet provided a formal response to Uganda’s rationale for the operation under the historical anti-LRA pact.
In conclusion, Uganda’s deployment of military forces to South Sudan under “Operation Mlinzi wa Kimya” reflects the region’s volatile security environment. The move is presented as a supportive measure for the South Sudanese government against escalating conflict; however, it raises concerns among opposition forces and international observers. The historical military pact between Uganda and South Sudan is cited as a justification, yet the regional implications of this intervention remain contentious and merit further examination.
Original Source: chimpreports.com
