SOUTH SUDAN: Uganda And South Sudan Confirm Military Pact, Acknowledging UPDF Presence In The Country

By Debora Akur Chol, South Sudan

South Sudan’s Government Spokesperson and Minister of ICT and Postal Services, Michael Makuei Lueth, confirmed on Monday the presence of the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) in South Sudan, asserting that their deployment is in accordance with long-standing agreements between the two countries.

These agreements trace back to when the UPDF fought alongside the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) against the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA).

Minister Makuei explained that the military cooperation between the governments of South Sudan and Uganda is based on a formal military pact aimed at safeguarding the territorial integrity of both nations, including the protection of people, land, and government structures.

“There is a military pact between the government of South Sudan and the Republic of Uganda. The pact focuses on ensuring the protection of the territorial integrity of both states, safeguarding the people, the land, and the government,” Makuei stated.

Amid rising public concerns regarding the recent presence of UPDF forces in Juba, fueled by viral videos and photos on social media, the South Sudanese government initially denied these reports.

However, Minister Makuei confirmed the presence of the UPDF in the capital, noting that some of the circulating footage was misleading.

“The UPDF is indeed present in Juba, despite the circulation of fake footage online,” he emphasized: “Their presence here is a technical mission in good faith, aimed at assisting the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) in bringing peace and stability to areas affected by conflict.”

The Minister also addressed ongoing clashes between the SSPDF and the White Army in Nasir County, Upper Nile State, reaffirming the importance of the UPDF’s support in conflict.

Makuei further urged South Sudanese citizens to refrain from sharing unverified information on social media, warning that such actions could escalate tensions and fuel further conflict in the country.