(MANGALA, JUBA) – Uganda’s Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Sam Okiding, visited Ugandan soldiers stationed in Bilnyang village, located just a few kilometres north of Juba, on Saturday following renewed tensions between South Sudan’s political leaders and concerns over regional military stability.
Bilnyang, positioned in Mangala Payam within Central Equatoria State, serves as an outpost for the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), which deployed to South Sudan in March following an invitation from the government in Juba. The Ugandan troops are supporting efforts to stabilise Juba and the Upper Nile region during a period of political unease involving President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar.
The visit by Lt Gen Okiding marks the first public acknowledgement of the location of Ugandan forces deployed under Operation Mlinzi Wakimya, a military initiative coordinated by the UPDF. The deployment followed rising fears of renewed violence between factions loyal to Kiir and Machar. During the visit, Lt Gen Okiding praised the soldiers for their discipline and urged them to focus on training to ensure combat readiness, while maintaining peace and professionalism.
He also commended Brigadier General Anthony Mbuusi, who is leading the Ugandan mission near Juba, for his leadership. Lt Gen Okiding pledged continued support from the UPDF high command. Brig Gen Mbuusi thanked President Yoweri Museveni, the UPDF Commander-in-Chief, and the Chief of Defence Forces for their guidance, saying it had helped boost morale and operational effectiveness.
The visit was attended by a number of senior military officials from both Uganda and South Sudan. These included Lt Gen Kong Thou, Assistant Chief of Defence Forces; Lt Gen David Ohucholi, Chief of Military Intelligence for the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF): Col Benard R. Kashemeza, Battle Group Commander, Col JM Kabila, Special Forces Component Commander, Col Steven Namolo, Asset Commander and Lt Col Alex Habyona, Joint Task Force Intelligence Officer.
Earlier on the same day, Lt Gen Okiding met with South Sudan’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Dau Aturjong Nyuol. Both military leaders reaffirmed the close ties between their countries, referring to their forces as “sister armies” bound by historical links. Gen Aturjong stated that no external factor could separate the two military institutions given their shared history.
However, the positive tone of the meetings contrasts with events in recent days. Deadly clashes were reported in Kajo-Keji County, near the South Sudan-Uganda border, involving soldiers from both nations. The skirmishes resulted in casualties on both sides, fuelling tensions and prompting public concern over the intentions and conduct of foreign troops on South Sudanese soil.
The situation was further complicated by a controversial social media post from General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s top military officer and son of President Museveni. The post was seen by many South Sudanese as provocative and disrespectful. Ter Manyang Gatwech, a well known South Sudanese civil society advocate, accused the UPDF of taking advantage of weaknesses within the SSPDF and warned that such moves could destabilise the region.
Gatwech also urged Ugandan lawmakers to hold Gen Muhoozi accountable for his public statements. He called on regional bodies including the African Union (AU), Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and East African Community (EAC) to step in and mediate between the two forces to rebuild trust and prevent further incidents.
“Dialogue is essential to rebuild confidence among military forces and civilians,” Gatwech told Radio Tamazuj on Monday, warning that diplomatic setbacks and poor communication could lead to further instability in an already fragile region.
