The Ugandan Parliament has authorized the deployment of the UPDF to South Sudan to address escalating security risks following an initial unauthorized deployment. South Sudan’s ongoing instability and significant political unrest necessitated this action, which is framed within existing defense agreements. The move is supported by lawmakers who recognize the importance of peace in South Sudan to Uganda’s own security.
The Parliament of Uganda has approved the deployment of the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) to South Sudan during a session held on Thursday. The initial deployment occurred weeks ago without parliamentary authorization, raising legal concerns regarding military engagement. The security situation in South Sudan remains precarious, marked by persistent violations of the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
Recent developments include the arrest of South Sudan’s deputy army chief and two ministers, allies of Vice President Riek Machar, which has been condemned as a serious breach of the peace agreement. These arrests were preceded by violent confrontations between government forces and the White Army militia in Upper Nile state, who previously supported Machar during the civil war ignited by a political dispute with President Salva Kiir in 2013.
Minister of Defense Jacob Oboth Oboth introduced a motion to Parliament to validate the UPDF’s deployment in South Sudan, which was executed under the terms of existing defense cooperation agreements. He highlighted that Uganda’s involvement aims to address security developments that could have dire implications for Uganda and the broader region.
Oboth Oboth referenced a memorandum of standing on defense cooperation established on January 10, 2014, and reiterated that President Salva Kiir had formally requested military assistance from President Yoweri Museveni on March 10, 2025, to forestall a potential security crisis.
He asserted that the decision to deploy UPDF emanates from Uganda’s commitment to regional stability and its responsibility to safeguard lives. The minister emphasized the historical and geographical ties with South Sudan, stating that prior deployments had contributed to security stabilization and peace enforcement in the country.
Lawmaker Gilbert Oulanya from Kilak South expressed support for the motion, stating that stability in South Sudan is intrinsically linked to peace in Uganda. He urged his colleagues to endorse the deployment for the overall betterment of both countries.
In conclusion, the Ugandan Parliament now sanctions the UPDF’s deployment to South Sudan following initial concerns regarding legality. This military action is predicated on the need to respond to significant security threats in the region, rooted in both legal agreements and urgent requests from South Sudan’s leadership. The initiative aligns with Uganda’s broader strategy to promote stability and security in neighboring countries, reflecting the intertwined destinies of the region’s nations.
Original Source: chimpreports.com
