JUBA – Diplomatic tensions are escalating between South Sudan and Uganda following controversial tweets by General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s Chief of Defense Forces, in the aftermath of recent border clashes that left 9 soldiers dead.
Controversial son of President Museveni, Gen. Muhoozi posted on his X on Wednesday, claiming that fighting the UPDF is the fastest route to hell, describing both DR Congo and South Sudan as only a “fraction of Uganda’s capabilities.”
“Whatever we have done in Eastern DRC, South Sudan, and Somalia is only a fraction of what we are capable of as a military; we haven’t even begun to fight,” he added.
His tweet comes just a day after a deadly clash between the UPDF and SSPDF in Nyainga-Muda, Kangapo II Payam of Kajo-Keji County, that led to the killing of nine people and displaced thousands of civilians.
It remains unclear why the Ugandan army launched an aggressive attack on South Sudanese soil, but local authorities said Uganda is eyeing the fertile and beautiful ancestral land of Kajo-Keji.
However, this did not sit well with many South Sudanese, who saw Gen. Muhoozi’s ongoing aggressive and irresponsible tweets against South Sudan’s sovereignty and people.
In rebuttal, Yoal Gatkuoth, the Executive Director for Pan-African Peacemakers Alliance (PAPA), urged the parliament to summon the Ugandan envoy to South Sudan over Gen. Muhoozi’s inflammatory remarks.
“On 30/7/2025, UPDF Chief Muhoozi made a disrespectful and reckless remark about South Sudan on his X (Twitter) account. Uganda is undermining regional peace, security, and South Sudan’s sovereignty,” Gatkouth said.
“South Sudan’s sovereignty is non-negotiable. Therefore, I urge the Parliament of the Republic of South Sudan to demand accountability and an explanation from the Ugandan Ambassador in Juba as soon as possible,” he added.
An outspoken human rights activist emphasized for Uganda to respect South Sudan’s sovereignty.
Two days ago, Maj-Gen Lul Ruai, SSPDF spokesperson, said SSPDF Chief of Defense Forces Dau Aturjong reached out to his counterpart, Gen. Muhoozi, and agreed on silencing guns and the formation of a joint investigation committee.
Despite this, the office of the Kajo-Keji County Commissioner raised concerns about the continued UPDF deployment, which contradicted army officials’ agreement to deescalate tensions.
“The Office of the Kajo-Keji County Commissioner Hon. Wani Jackson Mule alerts the public and relevant stakeholders of continued and concerning deployments of Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) across four border areas within Kajo-Keji County,” the statement partly reads.
Commissioner Wani said that despite the mutual promise to reduce border tensions, security reports persistent UPDF presence and operational activity in the impacted areas, endangering civilian safety, regional stability, and diplomatic efforts.
“The County Commissioner’s Office calls on national authorities, the AU, IGAD, and other peace partners to urgently intervene and uphold the terms of the agreement to prevent further escalation.”
He urged the local population to remain calm and vigilant as the County Administration continues to engage relevant institutions for immediate resolution.
