Wakiso, Uganda – The Uganda Police Force (UPF) has announced the deployment of 20 officers to South Sudan under a United Nations peacekeeping arrangement, reaffirming Uganda’s longstanding commitment to promoting regional stability and international peace.
The officers, drawn from various police units across the country, are currently undergoing a five-day pre-deployment training at the Kikandwa Police ICT Research and Innovation Centre in Wakiso District. The training, which began on Wednesday, focuses on peace support operations, international policing standards, and cross-cultural engagement in conflict zones.
Speaking during the opening session, Assistant Commissioner of Police Polly Namaye, who heads the Peace Support Operations Department in the UPF, called on the officers to uphold the highest levels of professionalism, integrity, and discipline while serving under the UN flag.
“I urge you to exhibit professionalism and discipline when executing your duties on the mission. Adopt the spirit of unity and teamwork to ensure successful operations,” Namaye said, reminding the officers that their behavior abroad would reflect directly on Uganda’s reputation in global peacekeeping circles.
Uganda has for years been a major contributor to regional and international peace missions, with deployments in Somalia, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic. The latest contingent will join other Ugandan personnel already stationed in South Sudan as part of efforts to stabilize the country’s fragile security environment.
South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation, has been facing renewed political tensions in recent months. The rift between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, which resurfaced seven months ago, has once again threatened to plunge the country back into conflict.
Machar, accused of plotting to overthrow the government, has been under house arrest since February 2025, while his loyalists are reported to be regrouping in parts of the Upper Nile and Unity States.
In March this year, Uganda deployed additional Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) troops to South Sudan at the request of President Kiir, amid growing fears of a potential coup attempt by Machar’s supporters.
Security analysts say Uganda’s continued participation in peacekeeping and stabilization missions underscores Kampala’s strategic role in regional security and its commitment to supporting the African Union and United Nations mandates for lasting peace.
The 20 police officers are expected to complete their training this week and will soon be airlifted to Juba, where they will undergo final induction before assuming their duties under the UN mission structure.
