Ugandan Parliament Greenlights UPDF Deployment to South Sudan

The Ugandan Parliament has approved the deployment of the Uganda People’s Defense Forces to South Sudan in response to deteriorating security conditions. The military action, taken without prior authorization, is justified by existing legal agreements and a request from South Sudan’s President. Lawmakers emphasize the importance of regional stability and the benefits of military intervention for both Uganda and South Sudan.

The Parliament of Uganda has approved the deployment of the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) to South Sudan, a decision that was made weeks prior without parliamentary authorization. This premature deployment raises legal concerns as South Sudan faces a potential return to conflict, marked by severe violations of the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS). Recent arrests of key political figures in South Sudan underscore the fragility of the current security situation.

Minister of Defense Jacob Oboth Oboth outlined the legal justifications for the deployment, referencing a Memorandum of Understanding between Uganda and South Sudan. Section 49 of the UPDF Act specifies that military deployments outside Uganda require a state of forces agreement, which Oboth stated was in place since 2014. He expressed that ongoing developments in South Sudan could severely impact Uganda’s security and stability within the region.

The Ugandan government acted on a direct request from South Sudanese President Salva Kiir for military support to avert looming security threats. Oboth reiterated the UPDF’s role in safeguarding regional peace, emphasizing a commitment to African solidarity and the protection of citizens. The minister asserted that past deployments had successfully helped stabilize South Sudan, thereby benefiting not just Uganda but the entire region.

Support for the deployment was evident among lawmakers, with Gilbert Oulanya from Kilak South declaring that peace in South Sudan directly affects Uganda’s national interests. He urged collective support for the deployment, emphasizing its benefits for regional stability and national security.

In summary, the Ugandan Parliament’s approval of the UPDF deployment to South Sudan aims to address pressing security concerns amidst a deteriorating situation in the country. The legal framework under which this deployment occurs has been established through prior agreements, and government officials believe this intervention will promote stability and protect the interests of both Uganda and the region. The ongoing support from legislators reflects a consensus on the need for military involvement to foster peace.

Original Source: chimpreports.com