Gulu | The Commander of Land Forces (CLF), Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga, has urged Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) soldiers deployed to South Sudan to remain vigilant and mission-ready as they embark on a new peacekeeping assignment under Operation “Mlinzi wa Kimya”.
The operational briefing was held at the UPDF 4th Infantry Division Headquarters in Gulu, where troops bound for South Sudan gathered in preparation for deployment.
The operation, whose name translates to “Guardian of Silence” in Kiswahili, officially commenced on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, with elite Special Operations Forces inserted through Juba International Airport.
“South Sudan is fragile. It is a place where silence is golden and peace is still under construction,” Lt Gen Kayanja told the troops. “You are the guardians of that silence. Be vigilant. Be disciplined. Be mission-focused. And above all, uphold the honour of our flag.”
The deployment follows a request by the South Sudanese President Salva Kiir to the Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, seeking urgent support in stabilising the country after renewed conflict broke out. It is part of Uganda’s regional commitment to peacekeeping and stability under bilateral and multilateral arrangements.
Since its launch, Operation Mlinzi wa Kimya has seen continued reinforcement of UPDF units through the Uganda–South Sudan border points of Bibia and Nimule.
Troops under the Joint Task Force, codenamed Hodari (meaning “strong” or “brave” in Swahili), will operate under the command of Brig Gen Anthony Mbuusi Lukwago — a seasoned field commander with extensive experience from Somalia, where he previously led Ugandan forces under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).
“Brig Gen Mbuusi is a warrior of few words but many victories,” Lt Gen Kayanja said. “His experience in asymmetric warfare and multinational peace operations is invaluable to this mission.”
The mission will focus on protecting key population centres, facilitating humanitarian access, and supporting security sector reform initiatives in collaboration with the South Sudanese government and regional partners.
The UPDF is also expected to assist in border security operations to limit the movement of armed groups and illegal weapons across porous boundaries.
