Ugandan Parliament Approves UPDF Deployment to South Sudan Amid Rising Tensions

The Ugandan Parliament has approved the deployment of UPDF troops to South Sudan, following a previous unauthorized intervention amid escalating tensions in the region. Emphasizing historical ties and defense agreements, the Minister of Defense articulated the necessity of this action for regional stability and security. Lawmakers expressed unanimous support, recognizing the interdependence of peace in South Sudan and Uganda.

The Parliament of Uganda has officially approved the deployment of the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) in South Sudan. This follows an earlier unauthorized deployment that raised legal concerns. The current security situation in South Sudan remains dire, with threats of renewed conflict and violations of the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan.

Recent unrest saw the arrest of the deputy army chief and two allied ministers in South Sudan, prompting condemnation from opposition parties for violating peace agreements. Following military clashes in Upper Nile state between government forces and militia groups, Uganda intervened by sending troops without prior parliamentary consent, which is typically required.

In a motion presented to Parliament, Minister of Defense Jacob Oboth Oboth cited existing defense cooperation agreements between Uganda and South Sudan as justification for the deployment. According to Section 49 of the Uganda People’s Defense Forces Act, the Defense Minister must negotiate a state of forces agreement whenever UPDF troops are deployed abroad.

Oboth highlighted that security developments in South Sudan could have severe consequences for Uganda and the broader region. He pointed out that President Salva Kiir of South Sudan had requested urgent military assistance to prevent a security catastrophe, prompting the Ugandan government to act under constitutional and legal provisions.

The Minister reiterated that the decision to deploy the UPDF reflects Uganda’s commitment to regional stability, emphasizing the historical ties between Uganda and South Sudan. He stated that prior deployments have successfully facilitated security, peace enforcement, and protection of civilians in South Sudan.

Support for the motion was evident, with Parliament members acknowledging the importance of stability in South Sudan as integral to Uganda’s peace. Lawmaker Gilbert Oulanya articulated a collective agreement from Northern Uganda, asserting that stability in South Sudan directly translates to peace in Uganda, thereby advocating for support of the deployment.

In conclusion, the Ugandan Parliament’s approval for the UPDF deployment in South Sudan underscores the urgent need for intervention amidst escalating tensions. The Defense Minister’s emphasis on existing agreements and the potential risks to Uganda reinforces the necessity of regional cooperation in ensuring stability. The support from Parliament members highlights a shared understanding that peace in South Sudan is intrinsically linked to Uganda’s security and well-being.

Original Source: chimpreports.com