JUBA, South Sudan — An official says Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni is in South Sudan to advance regional efforts to find a political solution to the country’s crisis.

Fred Opolot, a spokesman for Uganda’s Foreign Ministry, said Monday that Museveni visited South Sudan “in the spirit” of diplomatic efforts by East African leaders who want President Salva Kiir and his rivals to start peace talks by Tuesday.

Additional Photos

A young displaced girl starts crying after the relative she was with disappears into a row of latrines, at a United Nations compound which has become home to thousands of people displaced by the recent fighting, in the capital Juba, South Sudan Sunday. AP Photo/Ben Curtis

Moveable stairs used for passengers to board aircraft are repurposed into makeshift shelters by the displaced at a United Nations compound which has become home to thousands of people displaced by the recent fighting, in the capital Juba, South Sudan Sunday. AP Photo/Ben Curtis

Museveni, a strong ally of Kiir’s, has deployed troops to Juba, the South Sudan capital, but the military denies Uganda has taken sides in the conflict.

Ugandan military spokesman Lt. Col. Paddy Ankunda said Ugandan forces were stationed at the airport and their role is to “facilitate evacuation” of civilians.

Up to 180,000 people have been displaced by violence since Dec. 15, according to the U.N.

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