South Sudan Acknowledges Presence of Ugandan Troops in Juba

By: Ginaba Lino

South Sudan’s government has confirmed the presence of Ugandan troops in Juba, citing a longstanding military pact between the two nations.

Information Minister and government spokesperson Michael Makuei Lueth stated that the agreement, originally established during the fight against the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), allows Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) to provide technical and logistical support to the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF).

“This is not a secret; it happens worldwide,” Makuei said, adding that the recent deployment of UPDF troops in Juba follows rising tensions in Nasir between the SSPDF and the White Army.

On the situation in Nasir, Makuei confirmed that airstrikes were carried out, warning the White Army to vacate assembly areas or face military action. He dismissed concerns over civilian casualties, stating that those in “hostile areas” bear responsibility for their own safety.

Makuei further called for the White Army to be designated as a terrorist group by IGAD, the East African Community (EAC), the African Union (AU), and the United Nations (UN).