By EAC Post Staff | March 22, 2026
KAMPALA, Uganda – Uganda’s Chief of Defense Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has confirmed the arrest and detention of Colonel Lam Paul Gabriel, the spokesperson for South Sudan’s rebel group SPLA-IO (Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition).
According to Gen. Muhoozi, the arrest was carried out due to Lam Paul Gabriel’s continued use of social media platforms to issue what he described as “reckless statements and propaganda aimed at destabilizing South Sudan” while operating from Ugandan territory.
Uganda Not a Safe Haven for Rebel Activities
Gen. Muhoozi issued a stern warning that Uganda will not tolerate individuals using its soil to spread instability in neighboring countries. “Uganda is not a safe haven for rebel activities,” he stated, emphasizing that “anyone using its soil to spread instability will face serious consequences.”
The arrest highlights Uganda’s increasingly firm stance against foreign rebel groups operating within its borders, particularly those engaged in activities that could destabilize the region.
Regional Security Implications
The detention of Lam Paul Gabriel comes amid ongoing tensions between the South Sudanese government and rebel factions. As the military spokesperson for SPLA-IO, Lam Paul Gabriel has been a vocal critic of the Juba government and has regularly issued statements regarding military operations and political positions.
His arrest in Uganda raises questions about the status of SPLA-IO activities in the country and could potentially impact ongoing peace negotiations between the South Sudanese government and opposition groups.
SPLA-IO Background
The SPLA-IO is the armed opposition faction that emerged following the outbreak of civil war in South Sudan in 2013. Led by First Vice President Riek Machar, the group has been engaged in on-and-off conflict with the government of President Salva Kiir Mayardit.
Despite multiple peace agreements, including the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), sporadic violence and political tensions have continued to plague the world’s youngest nation.
Source: EAC Post Intelligence
Photo: General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s Chief of Defense Forces
