President Yoweri Museveni has arrived in South Sudan following an invitation from President Salva Kiir Mayardit, as tensions between Kiir and his First Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar, continue to escalate.
Museveni’s visit comes at a critical time when the South Sudanese government has placed Machar under house arrest, accusing him of planning a rebellion to destabilize the country.
In a statement posted on X, Museveni emphasized the importance of strengthening relations between Uganda and South Sudan. “I look forward to our discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation between our two nations,” he stated. His visit, however, goes beyond diplomacy, as it coincides with Uganda’s recent military deployment in South Sudan.
Uganda’s Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Jacob Oboth, informed parliament that on March 10, President Kiir urgently requested military support from Museveni to prevent a potential security crisis. In response, the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) was deployed on a peace enforcement mission. According to Oboth, this decision aligns with Uganda’s values of patriotism, nationalism, and Pan-Africanism.
The rising tensions between Kiir and Machar threaten the fragile peace agreement that ended South Sudan’s civil war. Museveni’s visit is expected to focus on mediation efforts to prevent further instability, but given the deep-rooted animosity between the two leaders, it remains uncertain whether his intervention will yield any meaningful progress.
The deployment of Ugandan troops in South Sudan has sparked concerns among Machar’s allies, who argue that Uganda’s involvement could reignite conflict rather than de-escalate tensions. Museveni’s discussions with Kiir will likely address Uganda’s military role in South Sudan and explore possible diplomatic solutions to the ongoing crisis.
As the situation unfolds, regional and international actors will be watching closely to see whether Museveni’s visit can pave the way for stability or further entrench the divisions in South Sudan’s leadership.
