Parliament Approves UPDF Deployment to South Sudan Amid Growing Tensions
The Ugandan Parliament has legalized the UPDF’s deployment to South Sudan, previously made without authorization. The fragile situation in South Sudan prompted this decision as recent unrest raised concerns for regional stability. Defense Minister Oboth Oboth cited historical agreements and the security implications for Uganda in advocating for the deployment, which received broad parliamentary support.
On Thursday, the Parliament of Uganda officially approved the government’s decision to deploy the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) to South Sudan, a move initially made weeks prior without parliamentary authorization, which is deemed illegal. This deployment occurs amidst South Sudan’s precarious security situation, characterized by rampant violations of the Revitalized Agreement on Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) signed in 2018.
Recent developments in South Sudan included the arrests of the deputy army chief and two ministers who are allies of Vice President Riek Machar. An opposition spokesperson condemned these arrests as a severe infringement on the peace agreement. These events transpired after clashes between government forces and the White Army militia, former allies of Machar during the long-standing civil conflict that erupted in 2013.
Defense Minister Jacob Oboth Oboth presented a motion in Parliament advocating for the UPDF deployment in line with the existing Memorandum of Understanding on defense cooperation and the state of forces agreement between Uganda and South Sudan. According to Section 49 of the UPDF Act, such deployments require a bilateral arrangement with the host nation.
Minister Oboth Oboth emphasized that the Ugandan military was deployed based upon a historical memorandum established in 2014, aimed at addressing security developments potentially threatening Uganda’s stability. He communicated that South Sudanese President Salva Kiir had requested urgent military assistance from Uganda to stave off impending security crises.
Oboth Oboth articulated that the deployment decision aligns with Uganda’s commitment to collective security, patriotism, and regional stability. Citing Uganda’s historical role in maintaining security and safety in Africa, he highlighted that UPDF’s presence is designed to foster peace enforcement and prevent further conflict in South Sudan, which ultimately benefits both Uganda and the broader region.
Support for the deployment came from Parliament, including Kilak South lawmaker Gilbert Oulanya, who noted that constituents from Northern Uganda overwhelmingly favored the operation. Oulanya asserted the importance of a stable South Sudan for Uganda’s peace and prosperity, reaffirming the belief that this mission would enhance security for both nations.
The Ugandan Parliament’s approval for the UPDF’s deployment to South Sudan underscores the nation’s strategic commitment to regional security and cooperation following a history of military collaborations. As tensions escalate in South Sudan, the Ugandan government’s action reflects both a legal obligation and a humanitarian intent to prevent further conflict. The consensus among lawmakers indicates a broader acknowledgment of the interconnectedness of security within the region, emphasizing that peace in South Sudan is integral to Uganda’s stability.
Original Source: chimpreports.com
