Uganda’s Parliament Approves UPDF Deployment to South Sudan Amid Security Concerns
The Parliament of Uganda has approved the deployment of the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) to South Sudan following a prior unauthorized military action. The decision stems from escalating tensions and a request from South Sudanese President Salva Kiir. The deployment is viewed as necessary for maintaining regional stability, reflecting Uganda’s commitment to regional peace and security.
On Thursday, the Parliament of Uganda sanctioned the government’s decision to deploy the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) to South Sudan. This move comes after prior military actions taken by Uganda weeks ago, which occurred without parliamentary authorization and were deemed illegal. The backdrop of this deployment is a precarious security environment in South Sudan, which is facing the potential resurgence of conflict.
The situation in South Sudan has deteriorated, as evidenced by the recent arrest of the deputy army chief and two ministers who are allies of Vice President Riek Machar. This action was criticized by opposition representatives as a significant breach of the peace accords established under the Revitalized Agreement on Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) signed in 2018. Tensions escalated following clashes between government forces and the White Army militia in Upper Nile state, making the circumstances more dire.
Following these arrests and the subsequent violence, the Ugandan government proceeded to send military personnel to Juba. On the floor of Parliament, Defense Minister Jacob Oboth Oboth introduced a motion to secure backing for the deployment of the UPDF, emphasizing that the action fell under existing defense agreements between Uganda and South Sudan.
Oboth emphasized the legal framework surrounding the deployment, referencing Section 49 of the Uganda People’s Defense Forces Act. He highlighted a memorandum of understanding established in January 2014 regarding military cooperation, which facilitates UPDF operations in South Sudan.
This approval process emphasized the potential regional instability caused by events in South Sudan. Oboth informed lawmakers of a request made by President Salva Kiir of South Sudan for urgent military assistance to prevent a security crisis, endorsing the government’s actions as necessary under the current geopolitical climate in the region.
The Defense Minister articulated Uganda’s moral obligation to intervene, noted the historical ties shared with South Sudan, and indicated that the UPDF’s deployment serves to stabilize not only South Sudan but also by extension, Uganda and the wider African region. He expressed confidence that the military presence would foster peace and prevent further hostilities.
The motion received support from lawmakers such as Gilbert Oulanya of Kilak South, who emphasized the linkage between peace in South Sudan and stability in Uganda. Oulanya reaffirmed that the deployment is fundamentally aimed at ensuring the betterment of both nations, advocating for collective support of the decision in parliament to uphold regional peace.
In summary, the Ugandan Parliament has endorsed the deployment of the UPDF to South Sudan in light of escalating tensions and security concerns. The military action, which previously commenced without authorization, is now supported by parliamentary approval under existing bilateral agreements. Leaders emphasize that stabilization in South Sudan is integral to regional peace, reflecting the intertwined fates of Uganda and its neighbor.
Original Source: chimpreports.com
