{"id":38625,"date":"2025-08-13T01:12:47","date_gmt":"2025-08-12T23:12:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.onecitizendaily.com\/?p=38625"},"modified":"2025-08-13T11:58:26","modified_gmt":"2025-08-13T09:58:26","slug":"ugandas-actions-in-south-sudan-a-test-of-sovereignty-and-a-betrayal-by-the-leadership","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.onecitizendaily.com\/index.php\/2025\/08\/13\/ugandas-actions-in-south-sudan-a-test-of-sovereignty-and-a-betrayal-by-the-leadership\/","title":{"rendered":"Uganda\u2019s Actions in South Sudan: A Test of Sovereignty and a Betrayal by the Leadership"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"
By Sebit Edward<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

When Uganda\u2019s People\u2019s Defence Forces (UPDF) recently crossed into Kajokeji County and launched an unprovoked military assault that displaced civilians and reportedly killed South Sudanese soldiers, the response from our nation\u2019s leadership was, at best, muted \u2014 and at worst, seemingly condoned.<\/p>\n

What with the UPDF Chief\u2019s handshake with the SSPDF\u2019s top brass, and a pose of the man (Uganda\u2019s president\u2019s son Gen. Muhoozi making rounds in the media currently. Yes the very man who irked the well-meaning citizens of this country.<\/p>\n

As if the act by the UPDF under his leadership (Uganda\u2019s Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba) was not only a border skirmish, and a violation of South Sudan\u2019s sovereignty –\u00a0 most of all, \u00a0an outright breach of international law. The act, in fact was a shameful reminder of our vulnerability in the region. And yet, days passed without a single strong-worded condemnation from the highest levels of our government. President Salva Kiir, in particular, remained silent. That silence speaks volumes, and none of it is reassuring. Salt is added to the wound by the handshake and a pose with the man known for his provocative \u2018Twitter\u2019 tirades against his country\u2019s neighbours.<\/p>\n

Kajokeji, like many of South Sudan\u2019s border communities, has long endured insecurity and neglect. But this latest incident went beyond internal dysfunction. It was a foreign military offensive \u2014 and still, no presidential address, no public rebuke of the Ugandan government, and no official show of solidarity with the displaced citizens. The victims have been left to bury their dead and flee once again, as their own leaders watch from a distance.<\/p>\n

Besides the press release by the office of Kajo-keji county, the only other high level public commentary of note was a strained statement by the Governor of Central Equatoria Gen. Mujung. It was outscored by the comments of the man himself \u2013 Gen. Muhoozi. Among his insensitive tirades, the \u00a0beleaguered General bragged, \u201cfighting the UPDF is the quickest path to hell.\u201d This was right after the Kajokeji incident. The statement left many South Sudanese disgusted if not amused. Uganda\u2019s first son shamelessly further attempted to justify his army\u2019s actions under the guise of \u201cborder security,\u201d as if parts of Kajokeji now fall under Kampala\u2019s jurisdiction.<\/p>\n

This is the same general who once boasted that his army could capture Nairobi in two weeks \u2014 a claim that drew laughter across the continent and embarrassment even in Uganda. If it weren\u2019t so dangerous, his recent remarks would be laughable too. But South Sudanese are not laughing \u2014 not the families who lost loved ones, and not the thousands forced to flee their homes once again \u2013 albeit some foolish fellow South Sudanese turn it round for their brain dead tribalism.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s be clear: No sovereign nation bordering a people as others on earth should accept such an assault without consequence. No leadership should allow such disrespect to go unanswered. Yet South Sudan\u2019s tepid, or evidently indifferent, reaction emboldens future violations \u2014 not only by Uganda but potentially by others in the region.<\/p>\n

Such actions should have called for:<\/p>\n