Ugandan Parliament Endorses UPDF Deployment to South Sudan Amid Unrest

The Ugandan Parliament has authorized the deployment of the UPDF to assist South Sudan amid civil unrest. The Minister of Defence, Hon. Jacob Oboth, highlighted the request from President Salva Kiir for urgent military support. The deployment aims to uphold security and prevent negative implications for Uganda and the region.

The Ugandan Parliament has approved the deployment of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) to South Sudan amid rising civil unrest in the region. The motion was presented by the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Jacob Oboth, during a parliamentary session chaired by Speaker Anita Among on March 20, 2025. The request for military support was initiated by South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir, who reached out to President Yoweri Museveni for urgent assistance due to escalating tensions in Upper Nile State.

According to Hon. Oboth, President Museveni’s deployment of the UPDF is framed within the Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation and the Status of Forces Agreement. He emphasized that the action was necessary to prevent a significant security catastrophe, stating, “On 10 March 2025, in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding…President Salva Kiir requested…urgent military support.” The decision reflects Uganda’s constitutional obligations and commitments to regional solidarity and security.

Moreover, Hon. Oboth highlighted the underlying regional ties and shared histories that prompted this deployment. He noted that the action is consistent with principles of patriotism, nationalism, and Pan-Africanism. He articulated the potential negative ramifications for Uganda if peace were not restored in South Sudan, stating, “The security situation in South Sudan is likely to result into serious negative security implications for Uganda, economically, socially and politically.”

In support of the motion, Hon. Gilbert Olanya (FDC, Kilak South County) urged fellow lawmakers to back the deployment, emphasizing its importance for peace both in South Sudan and Northern Uganda. He remarked, “Anyone who comes from Acholi and West Nile would highly support the deployment of the UPDF in South Sudan…for the sake of peace for the people from Northern Uganda and those doing business in South Sudan, let us highly support.”

The approval of the UPDF’s deployment to South Sudan by the Ugandan Parliament is a reflection of Uganda’s commitment to regional stability and security. The initiative aims to address the civil unrest in South Sudan and prevent spillover effects that could impact Uganda. Both ministers and lawmakers have underscored the importance of this mission for peace and collaborative regional ties.

Original Source: www.zawya.com