The Ugandan Parliament has approved the deployment of UPDF to South Sudan in response to civil unrest, following a request from President Salva Kiir. Defense Minister Jacob Oboth emphasized the need for this deployment to avert security risks to Uganda and uphold regional stability. Support from lawmakers highlights a commitment to peace and cooperative relations between the two nations.
Recently, the Ugandan Parliament endorsed the deployment of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) to South Sudan. This decision was initiated by the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Jacob Oboth, who presented the motion during the parliamentary session chaired by Speaker Anita Among on March 20, 2025. He indicated that civil unrest in South Sudan’s Upper Nile State prompted President Salva Kiir to urgently seek assistance from Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni.
On March 10, 2025, President Kiir’s request for military support was articulated as necessary to prevent a broader security crisis, adhering to the established Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation. Oboth communicated that President Museveni’s decision to deploy troops stemmed from the constitutional mandates governing the UPDF and Uganda’s commitment to national and regional solidarity.
Oboth expressed that the military presence is crucial as the ongoing instability in South Sudan poses potential threats to Uganda’s security on various fronts. He emphasized that previous UPDF deployments assisted in stabilizing the area, thus benefitting peace in Uganda, the region, and the broader African continent.
Hon. Gilbert Olanya, representing FDC in Kilak South County, echoed support for the deployment, arguing that it is vital for preserving peace in both South Sudan and Uganda. He remarked that constituents from Acholi and West Nile would favor the initiative for the sake of regional stability and commercial interests in South Sudan.
In conclusion, the Ugandan Parliament’s approval for the UPDF deployment to South Sudan underscores its strategic role in regional stability. The initiative, driven by a request from President Kiir in light of civil unrest, aims to prevent security issues that could spill over into Uganda. The consensus among lawmakers reflects a commitment to peace and cooperation between Uganda and South Sudan.
Original Source: www.zawya.com
