The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) were recently praised by residents of Mangala payam, Juba County in Central Equatoria for their humanitarian outreach.
They provided clean water and also conducted critical surgeries ranging from hernia repairs to goitre removals.
To the residents, these efforts were a remarkable display of compassion and solidarity by our neighbours.
The UPDF humanitarian assistant to the civilian in some part of South Sudan remain a wake up call on the SSPDF to initiate such activities.
For the South Sudan to embark on humanitarians’ mission there is need for the government to strengthen the institutions.
Although the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) has been providing some of the humanitarian support to the population, there is need to double efforts as crisis deepens.
Kudos to the ongoing efforts to strengthen relationship between the civilians and the army, however there is need to do more.
When the relationship is improving the provision of basic services such as water, healthcare and infrastructure to the civilians by the army remains critical.
A shift in approach is urgently needed to avoid long-term consequences of militarized aid dependency, starting from within.
The actions of the UPDF should challenge South Sudanese leadership rather than provide comfort. And with its array of personnel, logistics and reach, the SSPDF, can and must be reoriented to serve not just as a defense force, but as an engine that provides public service.
The government of South Sudan should consider drawing up structured frameworks that empower the SSPDF to contribute to nation-building, providing clean water, supporting public health campaigns, rehabilitating schools under civilian oversight and clear boundaries.
This moment in Bilnyang must be a turning point where the SSPDF rise up to the challenge not just as defenders of the flag, but as custodians of the people’s hope.
Sustainable peace will not come from patrols alone but from water flowing in villages, wounds being healed, and soldiers standing as lifelines, not just sentries.