Uganda MPs Endorse UPDF Troop Deployment to South Sudan for Stability

The NRM parliamentary caucus in Uganda has approved the deployment of Ugandan troops to South Sudan, citing the need for stability amidst escalating violence between warring factions. The decision comes in light of renewed tensions and a crackdown on opposition forces. While some lawmakers question the lack of prior parliamentary approval, the NRM has positioned the deployment as critical for regional security.

The parliamentary caucus of Uganda’s ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has endorsed the deployment of Ugandan troops to South Sudan, emphasizing the need to restore stability in the war-torn nation. This decision was reached in a meeting led by President Yoweri Museveni at State House Entebbe. Recent aggravated tensions between the forces of President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar have underscored the urgency of this intervention.

Violent clashes have escalated, notably with militias allegedly loyal to Machar seizing control of Nasir in Upper Nile State, resulting in numerous fatalities, including a commander from the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF). In response, the administration of President Kiir has intensfied the crackdown on those aligned with Machar, resulting in the detention of key officials such as the Petroleum Minister.

The escalation of violence raises significant concerns regarding the stability of the 2018 peace agreement that formally ended a devastating five-year civil war. The NRM caucus, through a statement by Government Chief Whip Hamson Obua, reiterated that the decision to deploy the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) aligns with Uganda’s constitutional framework.

The caucus stated their commitment to support the UPDF’s deployment as an essential measure for enforcing peace, preserving lives, restoring stability, and preventing further conflict. They have proposed to seek parliamentary approval for this action, adhering to legal requirements, addressing earlier inquiries from lawmakers about the UPDF’s status in South Sudan.

Defence Minister Jacob Oboth Oboth expressed unawareness of the deployment despite reports of Ugandan troops arriving in Juba. Clarifying the situation, Colonel Chris Magezi, Military Assistant for Public Relations to the Chief of Defence Forces, indicated that the UPDF swiftly deployed in response to South Sudan’s urgent request, prioritizing regional security and stability.

The deployment has ignited discussions in Uganda regarding parliamentary consent, with some lawmakers expressing concern over proceeding without prior approvals. Nevertheless, the NRM caucus supports the deployment as a vital step toward ensuring regional stability amid South Sudan’s ongoing conflicts, which have persisted since its independence from Sudan in 2011. Historically, Uganda has played a pivotal role in South Sudan’s conflicts, notably intervening during the civil war in 2013 to assist Kiir’s government.

In conclusion, the endorsement of UPDF troops for deployment to South Sudan by Uganda’s NRM underscores a strategic move aimed at reestablishing stability amidst growing conflict. With heightened tensions and a crackdown on opposition factions, the resolution emphasizes the importance of regional security, while the lack of prior parliamentary approval continues to be a subject of debate. Uganda’s historical involvement in South Sudan’s conflict further complicates the situation, indicating that this deployment may have significant implications for future peace efforts in the region.

Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org