Uganda has deployed soldiers from its army, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) to South Sudan under “Operation Mlinzi wa Kimya,” a regional peacekeeping mission aimed at restoring stability following renewed violence.
According to Uganda’s Army Chief, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the deployment began this week with Ugandan commandos arriving in Juba to support South Sudan’s national army.
The move comes after a deadly attack on a South Sudanese military garrison in Nasir County, Upper Nile State, on March 4, where General Majur Dak Thel and several officers were killed. The garrison, under pressure for weeks, was overrun by fighters from the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO), despite prior assurances from First Vice President Riek Machar that no assault would occur.
President Salva Kiir described the attack as a serious breach of trust. A UN rescue mission sent to evacuate stranded soldiers came under fire on March 7. One helicopter was shot down, and another crash-landed, killing Gen. Thel and his officers. Two crew members survived.
The UPDF deployment is seen as critical support for the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) as they face growing threats from armed groups. President Kiir has urged citizens to remain calm and committed to peace.
Uganda has previously intervened in South Sudan during crises in 2013 and 2016, backing Kiir’s government to protect civilians, foreign nationals, and strategic infrastructure.
Analysts view Uganda’s involvement as part of wider regional efforts to prevent further destabilization in South Sudan.
