Museveni's New concern on south Sudan

President Yoweri Museveni made an urgent visit to South Sudan in early April 2025 to meet President Salva Kiir. His trip came after new fighting raised fears that the country could fall back into civil war.

The crisis worsened when government airstrikes hit Nasir town in Upper Nile State, recently taken by the White Army, a group linked to First Vice President Riek Machar. Some sources claimed the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) helped with the strikes, though this could not be confirmed.

Ugandan troops were deployed in March 2025, following Kiir’s official request for military help. About 4,000 Ugandan soldiers were sent, led by Brig. Anthony Mbuusi, who had just returned from Somalia. The same army helped protect Juba back in 2013, during an earlier wave of conflict.

Museveni and Kiir have worked closely for years. Uganda also played a major role in pushing for the 2018 peace deal, which saw Machar return as vice president. But that agreement is now falling apart. Many fear that renewed violence could destroy the little peace that exists.

The South Sudanese government says Machar supports armed rebellion and arrested him. But his supporters believe he is being unfairly treated and say Kiir’s ruling party, SPLM, is trying to hold on to power at all costs.

Michael Makuei, the government spokesman, said Machar had to face justice because there was no real peace or rule of law happening.

On the other hand, foreign governments and organizations are calling for calm. A joint statement from countries like the US, UK, France, and EU urged Kiir to release Machar and respect the 2018 peace agreement. The UN and IGAD also asked for dialogue.

Museveni has often spoken about the dangers of tribal politics. In a 2022 speech, he encouraged South Sudan to build a united national army beyond tribal divisions. He praised the idea of “interests of the people” over ethnic identity.

But now, Museveni finds himself in a more complicated position. As the situation in South Sudan worsens, his influence is being tested. While in Juba, Museveni met Kiir, leaders of political parties, and a delegation from the African Union led by ex-Burundian President Domitien Ndayizeye.

Before that, Museveni also met Kenyan opposition figure Raila Odinga in Entebbe. Raila now serves as President William Ruto’s special envoy to South Sudan. But Kenya’s actions have added confusion to the crisis.

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In February, Kenya hosted a rebel meeting to form a “government of peace and unity” for Sudan. This move angered Sudan’s army, especially Gen. Burhan, who promised to crush the rebels and warned there would be no forgiveness.

Kenya later distanced itself from the rebels, but the damage was already done. Sudan no longer trusts Kenya and suspects it is helping rebel forces. This tension makes things harder for South Sudan too, as it shares a border with Sudan. Fighting in Sudan could easily spill into South Sudan, worsening the situation.