JUBA – South Sudan
President Salva Kiir Mayardit has reportedly directed the immediate withdrawal of Ugandan People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) troops from South Sudan, but Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has insisted his soldiers will not leave until outstanding payments owed by the government of South Sudan are settled in full.
According to reliable sources within the security establishment, the Ugandan forces estimated at over 5,000 soldiers were initially deployed in South Sudan under a private arrangement facilitated by businessman and Vice President Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel
Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel, reportedly to support government operations in key conflict zones.
However, the partnership has now hit a financial deadlock as huge arrears continue to accumulate. Each UPDF soldier is said to be entitled to $200 per day, meaning the total cost runs into millions of dollars every month.
“General Muhoozi has made it clear that Uganda will not withdraw its troops until all dues are cleared. The arrears keep increasing every day,” a senior security source told this outlet.
Sources further revealed that Dr. Bol Mel, who brokered the arrangement, is struggling to meet the financial obligations tied to the deployment similar to previous reports of unpaid wages and entitlements owed to ARC (Africa Resource Corporation) employees and subcontractors under his companies.
The situation has raised serious concerns within Juba’s political and military circles, with some officials warning that the continued presence of foreign troops on South Sudanese soil without a clear payment plan could strain diplomatic relations between Juba and Kampala.
Analysts say the development exposes the opaque nature of private military financing in the country, where businessmen are increasingly involved in security operations without parliamentary oversight.
Meanwhile, there has been no official statement from South Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Defence on the reported order for withdrawal or the outstanding payments to Ugandan troops.
Political observers warn that if unresolved, the issue could embarrass both governments and fuel fresh political controversy ahead of the country’s much-anticipated elections.
Background:
The UPDF has previously intervened in South Sudan during critical security crises, notably in 2013 when Ugandan forces helped stabilize Juba after fighting erupted between SPLA factions.
The current deployment, however, is believed to be contractual and privately funded, not a state-to-state military arrangement.
As the standoff deepens, pressure mounts on Juba to either honor its financial commitments or risk a diplomatic fallout with a key regional ally.
Developing story…
General Muhoozi is right and should take legal action against the individuals who made the unauthorized agreement to bring troops into South Sudan. He was promised payment, and it is his rightful claim. The agreement was never approved by the South Sudanese Parliament but made by a few individuals who mismanaged the country. Therefore, they must pay the money owed to the Ugandan Defence Force members.
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