Uganda has sent additional military forces to South Sudan under Operation Mlinzi wa Kimya to bolster support for the South Sudanese government amid escalating conflict. This deployment, confirmed by military officials, arises from recent clashes in Upper Nile State and is rooted in historical agreements between the two nations. Opposition critics, however, argue the move primarily aims to consolidate President Salva Kiir’s power, as tensions with armed groups heighten.
On March 20, 2025, Uganda announced the deployment of additional military forces to South Sudan as part of “Operation Mlinzi wa Kimya.” This decision arises amid escalating conflict between government forces and armed groups, particularly in Upper Nile State, where recent clashes have erupted. Uganda’s Acting Army Spokesman, Colonel Chris Magezi, confirmed the commitment of the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) to regional stability and support for the South Sudanese government.
Prior to their mission, UPDF troops were briefed by Commander Land Forces, Lieutenant General Kayanja Muhanga, at the 4 Infantry Division Headquarters in Gulu. The operation commenced on March 11, 2025, with special operations forces initially entering through Juba International Airport and further reinforcements arriving through Bibia and Nimule at the Uganda-South Sudan border. Brigadier General Anthony Mbuusi Lukwago is in charge of this operation, leveraging his extensive counterinsurgency experience.
The Ugandan military’s presence in South Sudan has ignited discussions regionally, yet South Sudanese officials defend this action through a long-standing military agreement. Minister of Information, Michael Makuei Leuth, emphasized the bilateral pact aimed at combating negative elements such as the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). He clarified that the UPDF’s role involves supporting the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) as relations between the two nations continue.
Despite official justifications, opposition activists in South Sudan express concerns, alleging that the deployment primarily aims to bolster President Salva Kiir’s administration amidst rising tensions with opposing factions. Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, affirmed that any hostile actions against Kiir would be viewed as a direct threat to Uganda’s sovereignty.
Conflict in South Sudan has intensified with renewed hostilities, notably involving the White Army, a prominent Nuer militia. Recent skirmishes have been reported in Upper Nile State, including attacks resulting in fatalities among both military personnel and high-ranking officials. Minister Makuei issued a directive for the White Army to vacate military zones, indicating that any violation would result in forceful action against them.
The Ugandan National Resistance Movement’s Parliamentary Caucus has voiced its support for the UPDF’s deployment, highlighting the necessity of countering further instability. Meanwhile, the United Nations and international entities have yet to respond to Uganda’s rationale rooted in the historical anti-LRA agreement.
In summary, Uganda’s recent military deployment to South Sudan under Operation Mlinzi wa Kimya aims to stabilize the region and support the South Sudanese government amid ongoing conflict. Although justified by historical agreements, opposition critics argue that the deployment serves to strengthen President Salva Kiir’s administration. With escalating clashes, particularly involving the White Army, both Ugandan and South Sudanese officials are taking necessary measures to address security concerns in the area.
Original Source: chimpreports.com
