Defense Minister Denies Knowledge of UPDF Deployment in South Sudan

The Ugandan Minister of Defense, Jacob Oboth Oboth, has denied knowledge of UPDF deployment in South Sudan, contradicting statements from top military officials. Concerns over legality arise as lawmakers question the need for parliamentary authorization for military action. Ongoing tensions in South Sudan and the implications of military operations further complicate the situation.

The Minister of Defense, Jacob Oboth Oboth, has publicly contradicted statements from the Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and UPDF spokesperson Felix Kulayigye concerning the deployment of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) in South Sudan. Muhoozi and Kulayigye confirmed the deployment amid rising tensions between South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir and his deputy, Riek Machar, suggesting that a fragile peace deal might be at risk of collapse.

In a recent social media post, General Muhoozi shared a video of UPDF officers in Juba, proclaiming the beginning of “Operation ‘Mlinzi wa Kimya’” to aid South Sudan’s People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF). Kulayigye elaborated on this by stating that the deployment aimed to prevent potential escalation of violence and to uphold a delicate peace agreement.

Contrarily, Minister Oboth Oboth expressed his lack of awareness regarding the UPDF’s presence in South Sudan, stating he had not attended any meetings sanctioning such actions. He requested additional time to confirm the details of this deployment, addressing Parliament in response to concerns raised by lawmaker Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, who called for the session’s suspension until the government could clarify the deployment’s legality.

Oboth articulated that he, as a lawyer, adheres to formal information sources, in contrast to the information available to journalists. He emphasized that he was unaware of any official communication regarding the deployment and insisted on verifying the matter before informing Parliament adequately.

Lawmaker Ssemujju stressed the importance of parliament’s authorization for any military deployment. He urged the Deputy Speaker to pause the session, allowing the Defense Minister the opportunity to furnish a comprehensive report on the deployment.

Another MP, Jonathan Odur, questioned the government’s control over the Chief of Defence Forces, speculating that this may contribute to the difficulties faced by the Defense Minister in ascertaining the facts surrounding the UPDF’s deployment. Odur maintained that swift verification is crucial due to the deployment’s implications for national resources.

Legally, any military deployment abroad must receive Parliament’s consent, even if it requires reconvening during recess. This instance is not isolated, as previous UPDF deployments, such as in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2021, also occurred without parliamentary approval.

The ongoing crisis in South Sudan has heightened security concerns, prompting the United States to evacuate non-emergency personnel. Recent events included the arrest of allies of Machar, an act condemned by opposition representatives as a breach of the peace agreement. Following inter-factional clashes, a fragile status quo remains, with a civil conflict inextricably linked to previous political disputes, resulting in significant human suffering and loss of life.

In conclusion, the contradictory statements regarding the UPDF’s deployment in South Sudan have raised significant concerns about military operations and constitutional compliance. Minister Jacob Oboth Oboth’s request for verification highlights the necessity for parliamentary authorization before any such deployment occurs. The increased tension in South Sudan underscores the urgency of adhering to legal frameworks governing military engagement abroad, while ongoing geopolitical dynamics warrant close observation and responsible governance.

Original Source: chimpreports.com