Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba Chief of Defence Forces has pledged that Uganda will protect the entire territory of South Sudan as if it were its own.
The statement made public via his official X (formerly Twitter) account has sparked intense debate about Uganda’s military role in the region, sovereignty issues and what this means for regional stability.
South Sudan, Uganda’s northern neighbour has been plagued by civil conflict, ethnic violence and political instability since gaining independence in 2011.
Uganda has long played a key role in the country’s security previously sending troops under the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) to intervene in the country’s conflicts.
Muhoozi’s statement suggests an even deeper military commitment though it remains unclear whether this is a government-sanctioned policy shift or a personal declaration.
Muhoozi’s military ambitions in the region are well documented. As the son of President Museveni, he has often made provocative geopolitical statements many of which have sparked diplomatic reactions.
Muhoozi directly referenced the “will of the Commander-in-Chief,” a title held by President Museveni. This wording implies that Uganda’s military leadership endorses the strategy but official government channels have not yet issued a formal confirmation of any new military engagement in South Sudan.
This situation is reminiscent of Muhoozi’s past remarks on Uganda’s regional ambitions including his infamous claim that the UPDF could capture Nairobi in two weeks which triggered a diplomatic spat with Kenya in 2022.
So far, South Sudanese leaders have not publicly reacted to Muhoozi’s statement but given past military interventions by Uganda in Juba’s internal affairs, it’s likely that some South Sudanese politicians and military factions may view this declaration with both suspicion and hope.
Uganda has long maintained strategic interests in South Sudan’s oil economy and trade corridors making it a key player in the country’s political stability.
With Muhoozi’s growing influence within Uganda’s military establishment and his persistent focus on regional security matters, this statement could be an introduction to a larger military shift in Uganda’s foreign policy.
