This public endorsement comes amid a tense and uncertain political transition in South Sudan, where speculation around President Salva Kiir’s health and succession is dominating headlines. While Muhoozi’s backing may signal deeper regional alliances, it has reignited a long-standing question among South Sudanese citizens:
Why is Uganda — and the Museveni family in particular — so deeply concerned with who leads South Sudan?
Strategic Interests
The answer lies in a combination of regional influence, economic interests, and historical military ties. Uganda has long positioned itself as South Sudan’s most powerful ally, dating back to the SPLA’s early days of resistance. Museveni provided critical military and political support to SPLM leaders, including Salva Kiir, and helped shape the country’s post-independence trajectory.
In return, Uganda gained significant influence in South Sudan’s security architecture, business environment, and oil corridor protections. The Museveni family has been keen on preserving a leadership structure in Juba that aligns with Kampala’s strategic goals.
The Rise of Muhoozi Diplomacy
Muhoozi, often seen as his father’s political heir, has taken a more visible role in regional diplomacy. His support for Benjamin Bol Mel suggests he may be testing his influence in East African politics while reinforcing Uganda’s role as a kingmaker in South Sudanese affairs.
But this external involvement also fuels public suspicion and frustration. Many South Sudanese fear that foreign powers — especially Uganda — are meddling in internal politics, trying to engineer a leadership transition that suits their own interests rather than the will of the South Sudanese people.
What’s Next?
With the SPLM undergoing major leadership changes, and regional players openly weighing in, South Sudan’s future leadership is no longer just a national matter — it’s becoming a regional chessboard. Whether Muhoozi’s endorsement helps Bol Mel or stirs more resistance remains to be seen.
What’s clear is this: South Sudan’s next president may not just be chosen in Juba — but also influenced in Kampala.
The Museveni’s family interference in the South Sudan political contest is very much clear to everyone unless you are not aware of their huge involvement since 2013. Political controlled and the resources of the South Sudan by assuring that the political elite will remain in power in order for Museveni and his family to loot and destroy the dream of the people of the South Sudan. Museveni is behind the killing of Dr. Garang as well as his plan to kill Dr. Riek Machar and hand over the entire country to whoever he chooses to secure his ambitions to control South Sudan.
Why did Salva Kiir massacred innocent Nuer people in 2013 and just the day after the war the Ugandan army where already there in the South Sudan if that was not a plan from Museveni himself?