Tension is escalating in Uganda after political leaders allied to Kizza Besigye asked President Yoweri Museveni to withdraw the country's armed forces from South Sudan.
This is after Raila Odinga revealed that his efforts to see South Sudan's Vice President Riek Machar were blocked, and instead, South Sudan asked him to meet with the Ugandan President.
"I asked to be allowed to talk to Dr Machar, but they were not able to allow me to see him; instead, they recommended that I meet with President Museveni," Raila revealed on Saturday after his South Sudan visit.
Speaking after the developments, leaders from Uganda's Forum for Democratic Change (FDA) Party are now of the opinion that Museveni should withdraw from the mission since Raila's revelations have tainted Uganda's reputation.
According to the leaders, Raila being sent to Museveni instead of being allowed to see Machar was an indication that Museveni had given the orders for Machar's arrest, and for Raila to see him, he must first seek Museveni's approval.
"In this particular case, we have already been misunderstood as the ones who have caused the problem, the ones who ordered the arrest; therefore, you move out, let other leaders of Africa take the lead, come back home with our troops, and let other leaders work and manage the problem," Patrick Amuriat, the president of the FDC party, advised.
According to the leaders, it did not sit right with Uganda that Raila had to seek approval from Museveni first before being allowed to see the vice president, who is currently under house arrest.
''To get permission to see Riak Mashar, you have to come to Uganda and ask President Museveni. What does it mean? Does it mean President Museveni is the one who ordered the arrest of Machar? This one gives the impression that the command and instruction to arrest Riak Machar were given from Kampala, and this put Uganda in a very bad position,'' the leader continued.
The leaders now want Uganda to withdraw its troops and only go back when other African countries recall them if they will be unable to manage the situation.
Raila had visited South Sudan in his capacity as Kenya's special envoy to South Sudan to help mediate peace talks and prevent further escalation of conflict in the country.
His role involves engaging with South Sudan's leaders, including President Salva Kiir and Machar, to promote dialogue and stability.
South Sudan is currently facing rising political tension and violence that has caused instability in the country.
