Uganda's president has justified his country's military deployment to South Sudan as necessary to prevent state collapse rather than favor any political faction. Yoweri Museveni told the United Nations special envoy for the Horn of Africa on Friday, November 7, 2025, that Ugandan forces intervened in 2013 when violence erupted between President Salva Kiir and his deputy Riek Machar to stabilize the capital and avert regional chaos.
Museveni said political disputes should be resolved through elections instead of armed conflict, citing Kenya as a model for managing disagreements democratically. He noted that Uganda has transitioned from direct military engagement to advising South Sudanese leaders on unity and reconciliation. Earlier this year, authorities in Juba charged Machar with plotting against the transitional government ahead of elections scheduled for 2026.
The envoy, Guang Cong, acknowledged Uganda's sustained contributions to regional peacebuilding during the meeting at Mbale State Lodge.
Museveni said political disputes should be resolved through elections instead of armed conflict, citing Kenya as a model for managing disagreements democratically. He noted that Uganda has transitioned from direct military engagement to advising South Sudanese leaders on unity and reconciliation. Earlier this year, authorities in Juba charged Machar with plotting against the transitional government ahead of elections scheduled for 2026.
The envoy, Guang Cong, acknowledged Uganda's sustained contributions to regional peacebuilding during the meeting at Mbale State Lodge.
