Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Commandos have arrived in Juba, South Sudan today to reinforce the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) amid an escalating crisis.
The deployment marks the official launch of Operation “Mlinzi wa Kimya” (Silent Guardian), a mission that underscores Uganda’s growing role as a regional military power.
The move announced by CDF Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba has ignited both praise and criticism raising questions about Uganda’s long-term strategic interests in its war-torn neighbours.
South Sudan has been on the edge of chaos with reports of renewed fighting between rival factions threatening to drop Africa’s youngest nation into another cycle of bloodshed.
Uganda, a historical ally of President Salva Kiir has stepped in to secure regional stability, protect Ugandan interests and prevent further conflict in northern Uganda.
While details remain classified, sources indicate that UPDF’s elite commandos will provide tactical support, intelligence coordination and reinforcement for South Sudanese forces.
The mission is believed to be a combination of counter-insurgency operations against armed rebel groups, urban security reinforcement in Juba and other strategic locations, military advisory and training for SSPDF units and border security enhancement to prevent instability from affecting Uganda.
Uganda’s military involvement in South Sudan has historically been met with mixed reactions. Some regional analysts view the deployment as a necessary stabilizing force preventing another humanitarian disaster in the region.
However, opposition argue that Uganda’s repeated military presence in South Sudan is more about political influence, economic interests and securing President Museveni’s alliances.
The timing of this deployment is also raising eyebrows, given that Uganda is heading into an election season and some opposition voices fear it could be a distraction from domestic issues, a move to consolidate military power.
