The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) has called on the United Nations Security Council to take immediate action against Uganda, accusing the neighboring country of sending fresh combat troops into South Sudan to support government forces. The opposition group claims that the Ugandan People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) crossed into South Sudan via the Nimule border point on Thursday, with the aim of assisting the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) in a major military operation.
According to SPLM-IO spokesperson Pal Mai Deng, the use of Ugandan air and ground forces has escalated the violence in South Sudan, which the opposition describes as a “genocidal war” against a specific ethnic group. The SPLM-IO has strongly criticized the involvement of Uganda, calling it a violation of South Sudan’s sovereignty and a breach of the UN arms embargo. They further accuse Uganda of enabling the South Sudanese government to carry out ethnic cleansing, with claims that Ugandan forces are assisting in the extermination of an entire group.
The allegations come amid heightened tension in South Sudan, particularly in Jonglei State and Central Equatoria, where government troops have been massing for a major offensive to recapture territories lost to the SPLM-IO. This includes the recent capture of Pajut in Duk County and Panyume in Central Equatoria by the opposition. With a seven-day ultimatum issued by South Sudan’s army chief to his forces to crush the rebellion, fears of a return to full-scale hostilities have grown.
Uganda’s Historical Involvement in South Sudan’s Conflict
The allegations of Uganda’s involvement in South Sudan are not new. During the early stages of South Sudan’s civil war in 2013, Uganda deployed thousands of troops to support President Salva Kiir’s government. Uganda’s military presence, including air support, was credited with helping the government fend off opposition forces loyal to Riek Machar. Though Uganda officially withdrew in 2015 after a peace agreement was signed, the SPLM-IO has frequently accused Kampala of maintaining a covert security presence in South Sudan.
In early 2025, Uganda once again deployed troops to South Sudan following clashes in Nasir County, Upper Nile State. While Uganda claimed the deployment was limited to protecting Juba’s presidency, opposition officials and human rights groups have accused the Ugandan military of expanding its role to provide direct air support for government forces, including alleged use of chemical weapons against civilians in rebel-held areas.
Alleged Arms Deals and Violations of UN Sanctions
In addition to the accusations of military support, Pal Mai Deng also raised concerns about the South Sudanese government’s efforts to bypass UN sanctions on arms shipments. Deng claimed that Juba had been in discussions with the Defense Minister of the Central African Republic (CAR) about importing advanced weaponry and signing military deals with mercenaries. He argued that these actions violate existing UN sanctions on South Sudan, which restrict arms transfers to the country.
The SPLM-IO has urged the UN Security Council to strengthen arms embargo sanctions on South Sudan and put pressure on the government to allow humanitarian aid into areas under opposition control. These areas have been under blockade, exacerbating the suffering of civilians caught in the conflict.
The UN’s Role in Preventing Further Escalation
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has previously warned that the ongoing mobilization of forces in Jonglei and Upper Nile could jeopardize the fragile peace established in 2018. Thousands of civilians have already been displaced due to the recent surge in violence, highlighting the precarious situation in the country.
Deng has emphasized that the UN cannot afford to remain passive in the face of these developments. “The UN must protect its values and credibility,” he said. “It cannot allow countries like Uganda to go into another nation to commit genocide.”
Conclusion
The situation in South Sudan remains tense, with the involvement of foreign forces, including Uganda, continuing to fuel the conflict. The SPLM-IO’s accusations of genocide and the violations of UN arms embargoes further complicate the fragile peace in the country. As the international community watches closely, the UN’s response to these allegations and the ongoing crisis in South Sudan will be critical in determining whether peace can be achieved or whether the conflict will escalate further.
