Uganda’s military involvement in South Sudan indicates governance issues, erodes trust, and might escalate conflicts. While historically supportive, perceptions have shifted since 2013 towards Uganda being complicit in oppression. This military support undermines South Sudan’s credibility and sovereignty, prompting calls for genuine peace mediation and reliance on national forces instead of foreign military assistance.
The ongoing discourse regarding Uganda’s military involvement in South Sudan highlights significant governance and transparency challenges, which may escalate conflicts and compromise regional stability. President Yoweri Museveni’s military support for South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir raises questions about Uganda’s influence, as the relationship appears to benefit the leaders at the expense of peace in the region.
South Sudan’s dependency on Ugandan military support is alarming, especially given the unresolved border disputes between the two nations. This reliance not only undermines South Sudan’s national army’s credibility but also invites external interference, as it suggests South Sudan is incapable of defending its sovereignty, thus emboldening neighboring countries with vested interests in a destabilized South Sudan.
Historically, Uganda was a refuge for many South Sudanese during liberation struggles; however, since the deployment of Ugandan troops in 2013, perceptions have shifted dramatically. Many now view Uganda’s intervention as support for a government perceived as oppressive and disconnected from the ordinary citizen’s plight, damaging the once cherished relations between the two nations.
The pattern of Ugandan military involvement in South Sudan is troubling, particularly when President Kiir opts for military assistance during tensions with First Vice President Riek Machar. This involvement appears sectarian, undermining Uganda’s credibility and inflaming internal South Sudan conflicts while complicating regional stability.
The Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF), once regarded as a reputable military force in peacekeeping, now risks its reputation through questionable deployments. This shift could diminish international support and present Uganda as a mercenary force serving the highest bidder rather than a stabilizing entity in the region.
There is an urgent need for the international community to recognize Uganda’s entanglement in South Sudan’s internal issues. Key bodies such as the United Nations and African Union must urge Uganda to withdraw its troops and invest in genuine peace mediation, while South Sudanese must reject foreign involvement that threatens their sovereignty.
The South Sudanese government is advised against prioritizing foreign military support over the strengthening of its own national forces. Allocating financial resources toward the salaries of local forces rather than Uganda’s military endeavors is essential, as true liberation must stem from within.
Ugandans largely hold a positive view toward South Sudan, while South Sudanese uphold strong values of neighborliness. Therefore, there is a collective call for both governments to abandon policies that may lead to aggression between these historically linked nations.
Dr. Remember Miamingi emphasizes the tragic irony that President Museveni, who aided in liberating South Sudan, may now contribute to its destruction. His legacy could be tainted by transforming a respected military force into a mercenary group serving selfish interests.
Dr. Remember Miamingi, a South Sudanese governance and human rights expert, can be reached at remember.miamingi@gmail.com. Note that the opinions expressed are solely those of the author and not representative of Radio Tamazuj.
The complex dynamic between Uganda and South Sudan raises significant concerns regarding governance, military involvement, and regional stability. Uganda’s military support, originally perceived as protective, is now linked with oppression, and the credibility of the UPDF is at risk. The South Sudanese government is urged to enhance its national military capabilities rather than rely on foreign forces, and both nations must prioritize preserving their historical ties without compromising their sovereignty or peace. The call for genuine mediation and the rejection of external exploitation will be essential for lasting stability in the region.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
