The Ugandan Parliament has approved the deployment of the UPDF to South Sudan amidst ongoing security concerns and previous unauthorized military actions. This intervention seeks to stabilize the region and respond to requests from South Sudanese leadership, aligning with historical defense agreements between the nations. Lawmakers have largely supported this initiative, emphasizing its importance for the broader region.
On Thursday, the Parliament of Uganda approved the government’s decision to deploy the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) to South Sudan. This deployment occurred weeks prior without the necessary parliamentary authorization, raising legal concerns. Currently, South Sudan faces a precarious security situation, with frequent violations of the Revitalized Agreement on Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) established in 2018.
Recent events in South Sudan intensified tensions when security forces arrested the deputy army chief and two ministers, allies of Vice President Riek Machar, sparking condemnation from the opposition. Clashes in Upper Nile state between government troops and militia forces previously allied with Machar have underscored the fragility of the peace agreement, amidst accusations of attempted coups from both political factions.
The Ugandan government intervened by deploying troops to Juba without parliamentary approval, prompting a motion presented by Defense Minister Jacob Oboth Oboth to seek formal support for the action. He justified the UPDF’s involvement by citing the Memorandum of Understanding on defense cooperation and state of forces agreements between Uganda and South Sudan.
Minister Oboth highlighted the historical agreements made between Uganda and South Sudan regarding military cooperation, citing a 2014 memorandum. He warned that the ongoing security issues in South Sudan could lead to grave repercussions for Uganda and the broader region, potentially undermining economic and political stability.
Oboth conveyed that President Salva Kiir requested urgent military support from Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni to prevent a security disaster. He detailed that Uganda’s deployment of UPDF forces is in line with constitutional and legal provisions aimed at averting such crises, emphasizing Uganda’s commitment to regional security and stability.
The Ugandan government has a history of military deployments in South Sudan and elsewhere, with expectations that the current deployment will aid in stabilizing the region and safeguarding civilians. Support for this motion has emerged from various lawmakers, with Kilak South MP Gilbert Oulanya expressing strong backing based on regional solidarity and shared security interests.
In conclusion, the deployment of the UPDF to South Sudan has been justified by the Ugandan government as a necessary measure to maintain regional stability and respond to a deteriorating security situation. Despite previous military interventions occurring without parliamentary approval, the recent parliamentary motion aimed to legitimize this action, underscoring the importance of cooperative defense agreements between Uganda and South Sudan. Lawmakers have expressed their support, recognizing the vital links between peace in South Sudan and stability in Uganda.
Original Source: chimpreports.com
