Parliament will debate the deployment of the UPDF in South Sudan today. The resolution aims to formalize an action already taken, with support expressed by the NRM members. Defense Minister Jacob Oboth-Oboth will present the motion, highlighting Uganda’s historical commitment to regional stability and responding to South Sudan’s appeal for military assistance amidst conflict.
On Thursday, Parliament is scheduled to discuss and possibly pass a resolution to formalize the deployment of the Uganda Peoples Defense Forces (UPDF) in South Sudan, a country currently facing challenges. This resolution is outlined in the Order Paper for today’s session, highlighting its primary goal of authorizing a deployment that has already taken place.
The Minister of Defense and Veterans Affairs, Jacob Oboth-Oboth, will introduce the motion for this resolution, which reaffirms Uganda’s defense cooperation with South Sudan, as specified in the Memorandum of Understanding regarding their Status of Forces Agreement. Following discussions, parliamentary members from the National Resistance Movement (NRM) expressed their support for the UPDF’s deployment last Friday.
In a recent press conference, Government Chief Whip Denis Hamson Obua articulated that NRM members affirm the deployment’s alignment with both Uganda’s Constitution and the UPDF Act. He emphasized their resolution to support this military action as a necessary step for peace enforcement, aiming at protecting lives and restoring stability to prevent further conflict.
Mr. Obua further underscored Uganda’s historical commitment to military interventions as aligned with the principles of patriotism, nationalism, and Pan-Africanism, which advocate for both national security and regional stability. The NRM Caucus acknowledged the UPDF’s previous missions aimed at safeguarding regional security across Africa.
Additionally, Obua disclosed that South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir had reached out to Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni for military support amid escalating conflict in South Sudan, indicating the urgency of the provision of such assistance.
In conclusion, Parliament’s impending debate signifies a crucial step in formalizing the UPDF’s deployment in South Sudan, as initiated by prior agreements and endorsed by the NRM Caucus. The UPDF’s historical role in regional stability underscores Uganda’s commitment to peacekeeping. This decision is influenced by South Sudan’s request for urgent military support amid ongoing conflicts, reflecting Uganda’s dedication to securing peace and security within the region.
Original Source: chimpreports.com
