Govt. confirms UPDF presence in S. Sudan, amid military bombardment, casualties
Makuei explained that the Units are tasked with assisting the South Sudanese People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) to ‘protect the people, government and territorial integrity’
By Aguok Chok and Chuol Chanyong
The Minister of Information and Government Spokesperson, Michael Makuei Lueth has confirmed the presence of the Ugandan People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) in South Sudan.
On Monday, Hon. Makuei told the media, “UPDF is Ugandan People’s Defence Forces is at present here in Juba, and you have seen it.”
However, he argued that the UPDF deployment stems from a military pact signed between South Sudan and Uganda during the era of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) conflict.
He hinted at the historical ties that continue to shape their military cooperation today, saying the UPDF troops currently in Juba are “Support and Technical Units.”
Makuei explained that the Units are tasked with assisting the South Sudanese People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF). Acknowledging public concerns over the UPDF’s activities, he said, “That is for your information. So there is nothing secret about it.”
He reiterated the importance of this pact, stating, “It talks about the protection of the people, the government, and the territorial integrity.”
According to him, some circulating footage on social media which he terms as fake, had made him come and clear the air.
“This is why I have come…to confirm to you these rumours which you are hearing,” Makuei explained.
Speaking about the widespread armed groups in the country, including the self-styled White Army, Makuei urged the forces to respect civilian lives.
“We don’t want later people to come and say the government is killing the civilians.”
He warned that any civilian occupying military zones would face consequences.
However, he appealed to all media houses and journalists to maintain accuracy, integrity, and responsibility in their reporting, especially regarding sensitive topics such as military presence and potential conflict.
“Act according to your professional ethics,” he urged, highlighting the crucial role that responsible journalism plays in shaping the narrative around the complexities facing South Sudan today.
Military bombardment, casualties
Meanwhile, Hon. Makuei also confirmed that the SSPDF carried out a bombing in Nasir on Monday.
“Our forces bombarded Nasir this morning. When the bombing happens, it happens to the forces. If you happen to be there, there is nothing we can do about you. But if you are in the town, outside the forces, nothing will reach you,” he said.
“We are giving a strong warning now, because of the bombardment that happened last night, in the so-called White Army areas. It has not touched any civilians. Vulnerable people who are in the hostile areas, you are supposed to keep away,” added the minister.
Hon. Makuei advised civilians to vacate Nasir town, warning of unfavourable consequences to the white army who will not have moved from ‘Nasir and any other assembly areas.’
“The White Army should vacate Nasir and any other assembly areas and proceed to their homes/luaks of residences, failure to which ‘they shall face actions whose consequences would not be favourable,” he said.
In an interview with Eye Radio yesterday, the Commissioner of Nasir County, Gatluak Lew Thiep, confirmed that more than 20 people, including children in the aerial bombardment in Nasir on Sunday night.
“Yesterday night (on Sunday), around 11:30pm, we were surprised by a bombardment from an anti—nob plane, which burned many houses. It also burned many people, especially those who were trapped in their homes,” Gatluak told the media, adding that 21 civilians, including two women and two children, died.
