Uganda Parliament Sanctions UPDF Deployment to South Sudan Amid…

The Ugandan Parliament approved the deployment of the UPDF to South Sudan amid escalating conflict and security concerns. This move follows illegal prior deployment without parliamentary consent, influenced by ongoing violence and arrests in South Sudan. Defense Minister Jacob Oboth Oboth justified the action by citing past agreements and the need for regional stability, while lawmakers expressed support for the intervention as crucial for peace.

On Thursday, the Parliament of Uganda granted approval for the deployment of the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) to South Sudan, a decision that came weeks after the military had already been sent without parliamentary authorization, raising legal concerns. The backdrop of this deployment is South Sudan’s precarious security situation, which threatens to plunge the country into renewed conflict amid violations of the Revitalized Agreement on Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) established in 2018.

Recent tensions in South Sudan escalated when security forces arrested the deputy army chief and two ministers linked to Vice President Riek Machar. This arrest, condemned as a grave violation of the peace agreement by opposition leaders, followed violent clashes in Upper Nile state between governmental forces and the White Army militia, an ally of Machar during previous civil conflicts originating from political disagreements with President Salva Kiir.

The Ugandan government has defended its actions, with Minister of Defense Jacob Oboth Oboth presenting a motion to officially sanction the UPDF’s presence under existing agreements with South Sudan. According to Section 49 of the Uganda People’s Defense Forces Act, such deployments require a formal state of forces agreement, which the Ugandan government asserts is in place, having signed a memorandum of understanding regarding defense cooperation with South Sudan in 2014.

Minister Oboth Oboth highlighted that the current violent developments pose serious risks not only to Uganda’s security but also threaten regional stability and economic interests. He referred to a recent request from President Salva Kiir for urgent military assistance to prevent a security crisis, emphasizing, “Following the request… deployed the Uganda People’s Defense Forces in the Republic of South Sudan in order to avert a security catastrophe.”

Oboth Oboth has articulated that this deployment reflects Uganda’s commitment to uphold peace and security within the African continent, asserting that Uganda’s historical ties with South Sudan necessitate a united response against potential threats. He argued that the presence of UPDF facilitates stabilization and peace enforcement, ensuring the protection of lives in conflict-affected areas.

Support for this motion emerged from lawmakers such as Gilbert Oulanya, who contended that peace in South Sudan directly correlates with stability in Uganda. He stated, “Let us support the deployment. Deployment is for the betterment of our country. Peace in South Sudan means peace in Uganda.” The debate on this subject reflects the intricate relationship and shared history between the two nations as they navigate the challenges of regional security.

The Ugandan Parliament’s approval of the UPDF deployment to South Sudan underscores the urgency of addressing the country’s volatile security situation while navigating legal and political complexities. The deployment is framed not only as a security measure but also as a commitment to regional stability, reflecting deep-rooted historical ties between Uganda and South Sudan. Amidst ongoing conflicts, the Ugandan government persists in its role as a stabilizing force in the region, emphasizing the need for peace to ensure the welfare of both nations.

Original Source: chimpreports.com