BY ALEX DON
Tensions have flared between Uganda and South Sudan following controversial remarks made by Uganda’s State Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi. South Sudan has officially protested the comments, demanding a public apology through a formal letter delivered to the Ugandan Embassy in Juba.
The controversy stems from a statement made by Minister Balaam during a recent press briefing in Kampala, where he criticized Ugandan political activists for wearing military attire. In his remarks, he said:
“Uganda is not Konyo Konyo or Sherikat in South Sudan, where you go and buy medals (ranks) and you become a general by claim… Uganda is a different country. So you should avoid (mis)using army uniforms. Be good, people.”
These comments sparked outrage in Juba. The South Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation described the statement as “derogatory and inconsistent with the cordial relationship between the two sisterly nations.”
In a formal letter delivered to the Ugandan Embassy, South Sudan expressed its “grave concern and protest” and demanded a formal apology from the minister. The ministry emphasized that such remarks undermine the dignity of South Sudan and could strain bilateral relations.
Despite the diplomatic rift, South Sudan reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining strong ties with Uganda. The letter concluded on a conciliatory note:
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of South Sudan avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the Embassy of the Republic of Uganda the assurances of its highest consideration.”
South Sudan, a nation that has been marked by prolonged internal conflict since 2013, is home to numerous military factions and a large number of generals. Uganda has played a key role in regional peace efforts, deploying troops twice to help stabilize South Sudan and prevent mass atrocities between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar.
As of now, there has been no official response or apology from Minister Balaam or the Ugandan government.
ctvuganda
">