Parliament Authorizes Deployment of UPDF to South Sudan

The Ugandan Parliament has approved the deployment of the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) to South Sudan, following initial unauthorized actions. This military intervention aims to stabilize the fragile security situation in South Sudan, which has witnessed severe breaches of peace agreements. Defense Minister Jacob Oboth Oboth emphasized the necessity of this deployment for both Ugandan and regional security, while local lawmakers expressed support, citing the benefits of peace in South Sudan for Uganda.

The Parliament of Uganda recently sanctioned the government’s decision to deploy the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) in South Sudan. However, the UPDF was initially sent to South Sudan without parliamentary authorization, which is contrary to legal requirements. The security situation in South Sudan is precarious, with significant breaches of the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).

Recently, South Sudanese security forces apprehended the deputy army chief and two ministers—supporters of Vice President Riek Machar—a situation criticized by opposition voices as a severe infringement on the peace accord. This action was in response to violent clashes in Upper Nile state between government forces and the White Army militia, allies of Machar during the country’s previous civil conflict beginning in 2013.

The conflict escalated when President Salva Kiir accused Machar of a coup attempt, a claim Machar refutes. Subsequently, Uganda sent troops to Juba without parliamentary consent. Defense Minister Jacob Oboth Oboth presented a parliamentary motion to ratify the UPDF deployment, citing an existing Memorandum of Understanding on defense cooperation with South Sudan.

According to Section 49 of the Uganda People’s Defense Forces Act, the Defense Minister must negotiate a state of forces agreement for troop deployments abroad. Oboth Oboth noted that Uganda established such an agreement with South Sudan back in 2014. He emphasized the potential negative security ramifications for Uganda resulting from events in South Sudan, which could destabilize the broader region.

The Defense Minister conveyed that on March 10, 2025, President Kiir solicited urgent military assistance from Uganda to prevent a security disaster. “Following the request by His Excellency Salvar Kiir… the President of Uganda deployed the Uganda People’s Defense Forces in South Sudan…” Oboth Oboth stated, framing the action within Uganda’s commitment to national and regional stability.

He articulated that Uganda’s military involvement aligns with its historical role in safeguarding regional security across Africa. The minister highlighted that previous UPDF deployments have contributed to enforcing peace and preventing conflict escalation within South Sudan. He stated that the presence of UPDF serves the best interests of Uganda, the region, and Africa broadly.

Lawmaker Gilbert Oulanya from Kilak South expressed support for the deployment, asserting that stability in South Sudan directly correlates with peace in Uganda. He urged his colleagues to endorse the motion, emphasizing the broader implications of regional stability for his constituents.

In summary, the Ugandan Parliament has approved the deployment of the UPDF to South Sudan amidst a volatile security environment. This decision, based on previous agreements and requests for assistance, reflects Uganda’s commitment to regional stability and security. The deployment aims not only to support South Sudan’s peace efforts but also to safeguard Uganda’s national interests, as articulated by government officials and supporting lawmakers. Furthermore, the historical context of Uganda’s military interventions in Africa adds a layer of complexity to this ongoing situation.

Original Source: chimpreports.com