Uganda Defense Minister Denies Knowledge of UPDF Deployment in South Sudan
The Minister of Defense, Jacob Oboth Oboth, denied knowledge of UPDF deployment in South Sudan, contradicting statements made by Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba and UPDF spokesperson Felix Kulayigye. Oboth requested more time to verify the deployment’s legality as concerns over parliamentary authorization were raised. The escalating security situation in South Sudan prompted security measures, including arrests tied to ongoing tensions.
On a recent occasion, Uganda’s Minister of Defense, Jacob Oboth Oboth, expressed a lack of awareness regarding the deployment of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) in South Sudan. This statement contradicts declarations made by Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba and UPDF spokesperson Felix Kulayigye, who confirmed the deployment amidst rising tensions between President Salva Kiir and his deputy, Riek Machar, which threaten the stability of their peace agreement.
Gen. Muhoozi shared a video on social media showing UPDF officers in Juba with a caption indicating that the deployment aims to assist the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces during the ongoing crisis under Operation ‘Mlinzi wa Kimya.’ Additionally, Kulayigye stated that the UPDF’s presence is intended to prevent the further escalation of the conflict and to uphold the fragile peace deal.
However, Minister Oboth Oboth stated that he had not participated in any meeting that authorized this military action and sought more time from Parliament to confirm the reports. During a parliamentary session, he responded to concerns raised by Kira Municipality lawmaker Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda regarding the legality of the deployment without Parliament’s authorization, which is constitutionally required for military actions.
Oboth further added that as a legal authority, he relies on formal communications rather than social media, emphasizing his need for verified information before making any declarations to the House. Ssemujju argued for a suspension of the session, requesting the Defence Minister to prepare a comprehensive status report to clarify the situation surrounding the deployment.
Echoing Ssemujju’s sentiments, Erute South MP Jonathan Odur questioned the Defense Minister’s ability to verify the deployment’s legitimacy, implying a loss of government control over military decisions. He stated that proper verification of such a serious matter should be straightforward if the government is functioning effectively.
Legally, even during parliamentary recess, lawmakers must approve military deployments outside Uganda, a requirement that has previously been disregarded. In a similar instance in November 2021, the UPDF was deployed to the Democratic Republic of Congo without prior parliamentary consent to conduct operations against insurgent groups.
The security situation in South Sudan remains precarious, leading to an evacuation order issued by the United States for all non-essential personnel. Arrests of key military figures and governmental allies involved in the ongoing conflict have raised alarm among opposition members who view these actions as violations of existing peace agreements, highlighting the fragility of stability in the region.
The recent contradiction regarding the UPDF deployment to South Sudan raises significant concerns about the adherence to parliamentary approval processes and governance in military matters. As tensions in South Sudan continue to escalate, the need for clarity, accountability, and proper legislative oversight becomes increasingly critical. The history of military actions without parliamentary approval further complicates the legal and political landscape within Uganda, necessitating deeper scrutiny and structured responses to these urgent issues.
Original Source: chimpreports.com
