JUBA, South Sudan – In a strategic maneuver aimed at stabilizing the political landscape in South Sudan, Ugandan troops have been deployed to the nation’s capital, Juba. This decision, confirmed by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) chief, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, comes as tensions threaten the fragile peace in the nation, challenging its already precarious stability.

The deployment of these elite forces is not just a display of military might but a demonstration of commitment to safeguarding Juba. Their presence is intended to bolster the efforts of President Salva Kiir in maintaining order amidst growing unrest. But what does this mean for the people of South Sudan, especially with the historical context of struggle between President Kiir and his Vice President, Riek Machar?

The political alliance between Kiir and Machar, formalized in the 2018 agreement, was a beacon of hope following years of ethnic violence. Yet, this partnership has not been without its trials. Observers are understandably concerned—are these incidents a minor detour or indicative of a more severe rupture?

“We shall protect the entire territory of South Sudan like it was our own,” noted Gen Kainerugaba in a post on social media, underscoring Uganda’s unwavering support.

Muhoozi, who also happens to be the son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, further elaborated on the mission, dubbed “Operation Mlinzi wa Kimya,” or “Guardian of Silence,” as a necessary undertaking to support the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) during these tumultuous times. The sentiment is certainly understandable; after all, regional stability often feels like a tightrope walk. But the specifics, to some, may remain shrouded in mystery.

Felix Kulayigye, the spokesperson for Uganda’s army, confirmed the deployment to the BBC, though he remained reticent on further details. Notably, South Sudan’s government offered no immediate comment on the arrival of Ugandan forces. Information Minister Michael Makuei later addressed local media, asserting that Ugandan troops were not present in Juba. An assertion leaving many to wonder: who do we believe in these situations where clarity is often as foggy as the morning mist?

This unease didn’t go unnoticed by the international community. The United States, reflecting its apprehension, ordered the evacuation of non-essential staff from the country. As these events unfold, it evokes memories from not too long ago when the deputy chief of the army and two ministers, aligned with Machar, were detained over security concerns. Though eventually released, the air remains tense, filled with a sense of unpredictability reminiscent of a pending storm.

The clashes in the Upper Nile state involving the militia known as the White Army further complicate the narrative. With both sides eyeing each other warily, peace feels elusive. Looking into the future, it raises pertinent questions: Will these interventions from neighboring Uganda and international bodies solidify a lasting peace, or will it be yet another chapter in South Sudan’s ongoing saga of unrest?