Ugandan Defense Minister Jacob Oboth Oboth has denied knowledge of UPDF deployment in South Sudan, contradicting statements from military leaders amid escalating tensions between South Sudan’s political factions. Lawmakers are demanding clarification on the legality of the deployment, emphasizing the necessity for parliamentary approval as required by the Constitution.
Jacob Oboth Oboth, Uganda’s Minister of Defense, has publicly contradicted the claims made by Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, along with UPDF spokesperson Felix Kulayigye, regarding the deployment of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) in South Sudan. This comes amidst heightened tensions between South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir and Deputy Riek Machar, raising the possibility of renewed conflict in the region.
In a recent social media post, Gen. Muhoozi shared a video showcasing heavily armed UPDF officers in Juba, captioned with the announcement of Operation ‘Mlinzi wa Kimya’ aimed at supporting the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) during the current crisis. Furthermore, UPDF spokesperson Kulayigye confirmed the military’s presence in Juba to uphold the fragile peace accords.
However, Minister Oboth Oboth asserted his lack of knowledge concerning any such deployment and indicated that he had not participated in meetings that authorized these actions. He requested additional time from Parliament to verify the information presented. These remarks were made in response to Kira Municipality lawmaker Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, who raised concerns about the legality of deploying the military without parliamentary authorization.
Ssemujju emphasized the constitutionality of military deployment in Uganda, asserting that it necessitates parliamentary approval. He urged Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa to suspend proceedings until clarity is provided on the government’s actions regarding this deployment.
Questions were raised in Parliament by Erute South MP Jonathan Odur concerning the government’s control over military operations. Odur demanded accountability, suggesting that if true, the minister should readily verify these claims. He highlighted the implications of military deployment concerning national resources, insisting on the need for a transparent decision-making process.
Legally, Parliament must be reconvened, even during recess, to approve any military deployments outside the nation. There have been previous instances of UPDF deployments occurring without parliamentary consent, notably in November 2021 during operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo against insurgent groups.
The security situation in South Sudan remains tenuous, prompting the United States to evacuate non-emergency personnel due to escalating tensions. Recent events include the arrest of high-ranking military and political figures allied with Machar, condemned as a violation of the peace agreement. These political dynamics are rooted in a civil war that began in 2013 and have left lasting scars on the nation’s governance and stability.
In conclusion, the conflicting statements within Uganda’s military leadership regarding UPDF’s deployment in South Sudan raise significant questions about governance and adherence to constitutional processes. Minister Oboth’s need for verification highlights potential gaps in military oversight, while lawmakers demand accountability in such critical matters. The continuing instability in South Sudan underscores the urgency for clarity and adherence to legal frameworks governing military deployment.
Original Source: chimpreports.com
