Political tensions are rising in Uganda following Raila Odinga’s recent visit to South Sudan, where he was blocked from meeting Vice President Riek Machar. Instead, South Sudanese authorities directed him to hold discussions with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni.
Raila, who had traveled to South Sudan in his capacity as Kenya’s special envoy for peace talks, revealed that his attempt to meet Machar was denied.
“I requested to meet Dr. Machar, but they did not allow me. Instead, they recommended that I see President Museveni,” Raila stated on Saturday.
His statement has sparked strong reactions from political leaders in Uganda, particularly those allied with opposition leader Kizza Besigye.
Leaders from the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party are now demanding that Uganda withdraw its troops from South Sudan, arguing that Raila’s revelations have severely damaged Uganda’s reputation.
According to these leaders, the fact that Raila had to seek permission from Museveni before being allowed to see Machar suggests that the Ugandan president might have played a role in Machar’s detention.
They argue that this makes Uganda look like the country behind Machar’s arrest, putting its international image at risk.
“In this situation, Uganda is already being perceived as the one responsible for Machar’s arrest. This has put us in a negative light,” said FDC Party President Patrick Amuriat.
“The best decision now is to pull out our troops and let other African leaders take charge of the peace process.”
Another FDC leader expressed concern over the message Uganda’s involvement is sending to the international community. “Why would Raila need Museveni’s approval to meet Riek Machar? What does that imply?
It gives the impression that Uganda is the one controlling Machar’s arrest. This puts us in a very awkward position,” he added.
The opposition leaders are now calling for the immediate withdrawal of Ugandan troops from South Sudan. They insist that Uganda should only redeploy its forces if other African nations request its involvement in resolving the crisis.
Raila Odinga’s visit to South Sudan was aimed at fostering dialogue between the country’s leadership and preventing further conflict.
As Kenya’s special envoy, his role involves engaging with key figures such as President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar to promote peace and stability.
South Sudan continues to grapple with political instability and escalating violence, which has led to worsening security conditions in the region.
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