The Ugandan Parliament has approved the deployment of the UPDF in South Sudan to address civil unrest. Minister Jacob Oboth presented the motion following a request from South Sudan President Salva Kiir for urgent military assistance. This deployment aims to stabilize the situation in South Sudan while ensuring safety and security for Uganda.
The Parliament of Uganda has approved the deployment of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) to South Sudan in response to escalating civil unrest. During a session chaired by Speaker Anita Among on March 20, 2025, Hon. Jacob Oboth, the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, introduced a motion to support this intervention.
Oboth highlighted that President Salva Kiir of South Sudan had formally requested military assistance from Uganda on March 10, 2025, amidst the deteriorating security situation in the Upper Nile State. “In accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation and Status of Forces Agreement,” he stated, Kiir sought urgent aid to prevent a potential security catastrophe in South Sudan.
President Yoweri Museveni’s decision to deploy the UPDF was justified as it was mandated by both the Constitution and the UPDF Act. Oboth emphasized that this action reflects Uganda’s commitment to principles of patriotism, nationalism, and Pan-Africanism, expressing that it was undertaken in a spirit of solidarity and shared historical ties between the two countries.
Oboth asserted that the deployment is crucial given the negative security implications that South Sudan’s unrest could have on Uganda. He reiterated that the UPDF’s role in stabilizing and enforcing peace in South Sudan is vital, not only for the safety of the region but also for Uganda’s economic and social interests.
Hon. Gilbert Olanya from the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) seconded the motion, urging fellow lawmakers to robustly support the deployment. “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,” he remarked. Olanya stressed that the UPDF’s intervention guarantees peace not only in South Sudan but also in Uganda.
The Ugandan Parliament has unanimously endorsed the UPDF’s deployment to South Sudan as a strategic response to escalating conflict. This initiative, rooted in regional solidarity, is anticipated to bolster stability and safety in both nations. By acting promptly, the leadership aims to mitigate consequent security risks that could affect Uganda, thereby reinforcing its dedication to regional peace and cooperation.
Original Source: www.zawya.com
