The Ugandan Parliament is set to debate the formal authorization of the UPDF deployment in South Sudan, which has already begun. Minister Jacob Oboth-Oboth will present the motion, backed by the ruling NRM party. Government Chief Whip Denis Hamson Obua emphasized the deployment’s constitutional support and its role in enhancing regional stability, citing an appeal from South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir for military assistance.
On Thursday, the Parliament of Uganda will convene to deliberate on and potentially formalize the deployment of the Uganda Peoples Defense Forces (UPDF) in South Sudan. This discussion aligns with the Order Paper of the sitting, which highlights the need for a resolution to authorize actions that have already commenced. A significant excerpt states, “Motion for a resolution of Parliament to support the deployment of Uganda Peoples Defense Forces in the Republic of South Sudan under the memorandum of understanding on defense cooperation and status of forces agreement between the Republic of Uganda and the Republic of South Sudan.”
Minister of Defense and Veterans Affairs, Jacob Oboth-Oboth, will present the motion for discussion. Last Friday, members of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) endorsed the UPDF’s deployment, viewing it as essential for maintaining peace in the region. Following the NRM Caucus meeting at State House Entebbe, Government Chief Whip Denis Hamson Obua commented to the press, “We the members of the NRM Parliamentary Caucus affirm that the deployment of the UPDF is in line with Uganda’s Constitution and the UPDF Act.”
Obua emphasized that the deployment aims to enforce peace, safeguard lives, restore stability, and prevent further conflict escalation. He also noted that this initiative reflects Uganda’s historical commitment to Pan-Africanism. He stated, “We recognize Uganda’s historical commitment to patriotism, nationalism, and Pan-Africanism in the pursuit of national security and regional stability.” The NRM Caucus also reviewed past missions executed by the UPDF, recognizing its role in protecting lives and property across Africa through military interventions.
Obua further revealed that South Sudan’s President, Salva Kiir, had requested military support from Uganda due to the escalating conflict in South Sudan. “We are mindful of the recent appeal by H.E Salva Kiir, President of the Republic of South Sudan to H.E Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda and Commander-in-Chief of the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF), for urgent support following the outbreak of conflict in South Sudan,” he remarked.
In conclusion, the upcoming debate in the Ugandan Parliament regarding the formal authorization of UPDF deployment in South Sudan reflects both a response to regional instability and a continuation of Uganda’s historic engagement in peace enforcement across Africa. Endorsements from the NRM indicate a unified stance on the necessity of this military intervention for humanitarian and stabilizing purposes. The appeal from South Sudan’s leadership underscores the urgent need for support to address the escalating conflict.
Original Source: chimpreports.com
