Uganda’s NRM caucus endorses UPDF deployment to South Sudan to restore stability amid escalating conflict between President Kiir and Riek Machar. The decision, made during a meeting led by President Museveni, arises from recent violence and military crackdowns in South Sudan. The UPDF’s action seeks to protect lives and uphold peace agreements.
The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) parliamentary caucus in Uganda has authorized the deployment of Ugandan troops, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), to South Sudan to restore stability. This decision was taken in a meeting led by President Yoweri Museveni at State House Entebbe. The need for deployment comes amid escalating tensions between forces loyal to South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir and those aligned with First Vice President Riek Machar.
Recent violence in South Sudan, particularly the takeover of Nasir by militias loyal to Machar, resulted in numerous deaths and increased military crackdowns by Kiir’s administration, including detaining key officials. These developments have further jeopardized the fragile 2018 peace agreement that ended the previous civil war, raising alarms about ongoing stability.
In their official resolution, the NRM said, “We, the members of the NRM Parliamentary Caucus, hereby resolve to support the deployment of the UPDF in South Sudan as a necessary intervention for peace enforcement, to protect lives, restore stability, and prevent further escalation of conflict.” The caucus also proposed to seek parliamentary approval for the deployment in accordance with constitutional processes.
Concerns regarding the UPDF’s presence were discussed in parliament, where Defence Minister Jacob Oboth Oboth claimed he lacked knowledge about the troop movements. Colonel Chris Magezi later explained that the UPDF had deployed in response to a request from South Sudan to address a critical security situation, emphasizing that this action was vital for regional security and stability.
This deployment has sparked a debate among lawmakers in Uganda, focusing on the absence of prior parliamentary approval. Nonetheless, the NRM’s support positions this intervention as crucial for safeguarding regional peace. Since gaining independence in 2011, South Sudan has faced ongoing internal conflicts, with Uganda historically playing a significant military role in the region’s various crises, including intervention during the 2013 civil war.
In summary, Uganda’s NRM has approved the deployment of the UPDF to South Sudan as a crucial effort to restore peace and stability amidst escalating conflict. The decision reflects concerns over the fragile peace agreement in South Sudan and the continued internal strife following recent violent events. While there are questions regarding the process of approval, the intervention is framed as essential for regional security.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
