By chuol Chanyong

The Vice President for Economic Cluster, Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel, has urged citizens to disregard what he called fake information circulating on social media regarding the deployment of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) in Juba.

In a statement issued yesterday Dr. Bol confirmed that the nation’s security is a priority and reassured citizens about safety in the capital, Juba,

He praised the ongoing efforts of the national security forces that were deployed to maintain order.

He highlighted the importance of engaging with international peace partners such as IGAD, the African Union, the East Africa community, and Troika countries to discuss the remaining aspects of the 2018 Peace Agreement, intending to facilitate preparations for the country for the national democratic elections in 2026.

Tension between the national army and armed civilians in Nasir caused some tension around the country.

On Tuesday, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, announced that they have deployed a Special Forces to South Sudan’s capital Juba.

Gen. Muhoozi, who is known for his provocative posts on social media, said that the Special Forces unit entered Juba to secure it.

 “As of 2 days ago, our Special Forces units entered Juba to secure it,” he posted on his X account.

“We the UPDF, only recognize only one president of South Sudan, H.E Salva Kiir, he is our ‘Afande’ even in UPDF, and he is the younger brother to Mzee. Any move against him is a declaration of war against Uganda, all those who commit that crime will learn what it means,” he stated in the second post.

However, in an interview with The City Review, the Minister of Information and Government Spokesperson, Michael Makuei Lueth denied the presence of the Ugandan forces in Juba.

“There are no Ugandan forces in Juba. Secondly, South Sudan is peaceful and stable,” Makuei told this publication.