The Ugandan Parliament has approved the government’s deployment of the UPDF to South Sudan, which follows an earlier unauthorized deployment. The security situation in South Sudan remains volatile, prompting military action deemed necessary to prevent further instability. The Minister of Defense presented this motion, highlighting Uganda’s historical commitment to regional security and cooperation with South Sudan.
On Thursday, the Parliament of Uganda endorsed the government’s resolution to deploy the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) to South Sudan. This decision comes after UPDF troops were sent to South Sudan weeks earlier without Parliament’s authorization, which is considered illegal.
The security environment in South Sudan is precarious, with severe breaches of the Revitalized Agreement on Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) established in 2018. These tensions escalated after South Sudan’s deputy army chief and two ministers, allies of Vice President Riek Machar, were detained, an act condemned by opposition representatives as a significant infringement of the peace agreement.
Escalating hostilities between government forces and the White Army militia occurred in Upper Nile state, further compounding the situation. Historically, this militia fought alongside Machar during the ongoing civil unrest, which began in 2013 due to political discord with President Salva Kiir.
In response to the deteriorating situation, the Ugandan government deployed troops to Juba without legislative approval. The Minister of Defense, Jacob Oboth Oboth, subsequently brought forth a motion to Parliament to formally support the UPDF’s operations in South Sudan, citing established defense cooperation agreements.
Minister Oboth Oboth referenced Section 49 of the Uganda People’s Defense Forces Act, which dictates that military deployment abroad necessitates a state of forces agreement with the receiving nation. He noted that Uganda had previously formalized such an agreement with South Sudan and that increasing insecurity in South Sudan presents substantial risks for Uganda’s stability and security.
Furthermore, he informed Parliament of a recent appeal for military assistance from South Sudanese President Salva Kiir due to escalating security threats in his country. According to Oboth Oboth, President Yoweri Museveni acted in accordance with the relevant constitutional provisions and military legislation to deploy the UPDF to South Sudan, aimed at mitigating a potential security crisis in the region.
The minister highlighted Uganda’s commitment to regional stability and the safeguarding of its citizens through military interventions, reinforcing that the deployment is driven by patriotism, nationalism, and African solidarity. Previous UPDF missions in South Sudan have reportedly contributed to stabilizing the area and preventing the escalation of conflicts.
Supporting the motion, Kilak South lawmaker Gilbert Oulanya emphasized the importance of peace in South Sudan, asserting that stability in the neighboring country directly correlates to peace within Uganda. He urged his fellow lawmakers to support the deployment for the greater good of both nations.
In conclusion, the Ugandan Parliament’s approval of the UPDF deployment to South Sudan underscores the importance of regional security amidst escalating tensions. The military action is framed within a context of legal agreements and a commitment to peace, which prioritizes security for Ugandans and the broader African region. Enhanced military cooperation aims to stabilize South Sudan, reflecting Uganda’s ongoing role in fostering peace and security in East Africa.
Original Source: chimpreports.com
