Uganda deploys troops in South Sudan as civil war fears grow

South Sudan's President Salva Kiir, left, and Vice President Riek Machar, right, shake hands after meeting in Juba, South Sudan, on October 20, 2019 [File: Sam Mednick/AP]

Uganda has deployed special forces in South Sudan as fears grow that the country could descend into civil war.

Kampala’s military chief announced on Tuesday that the troops had been sent to help “secure” Juba, the capital of Uganda’s northern neighbour. Tension between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar are spiralling as a power-sharing deal unravels, and clashes have erupted.