Uganda’s NRM Parliamentary Caucus has endorsed the UPDF deployment to South Sudan, aligning with requests from President Salva Kiir. The deployment aims to stabilize the region amid increasing violence, including a recent deadly attack on a UN helicopter. The resolution emphasizes constitutional legality and necessitates parliamentary approval, marking a significant escalation in Uganda’s military involvement.
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Parliamentary Caucus in Uganda has officially approved the deployment of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) to South Sudan. This decision aligns with President Museveni’s intervention in the escalating crisis in the region, following a request from South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir for military assistance.
During a meeting at State House Entebbe on March 14, 2025, the NRM Caucus confirmed that Uganda’s military actions are consistent with both the Constitution and the UPDF Act. They justified this deployment as a necessary step to protect lives and maintain stability in the region.
The Caucus emphasized Uganda’s long history of contributing to regional stability through various military interventions. The signed resolution also called for Parliamentary approval of the UPDF’s deployment, adhering to legal frameworks.
Obua Denis Hamson, the Government Chief Whip and NRM Caucus Chairperson, endorsed the resolutions. This development arrives shortly after Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s army chief, acknowledged the presence of Ugandan Special Forces in Juba, citing their purpose of local security.
Gen. Muhoozi asserted that UPDF recognizes Salva Kiir as the legitimate president of South Sudan, warning that any aggression against him would be deemed a declaration of war against Uganda. His confirmation of troop movements occurred two days before the Caucus meeting, supporting the defense of the South Sudanese capital.
The NRM’s approval follows a surge of violence, including a deadly incident involving a UN helicopter in Nasir, Upper Nile State, on March 4, 2025. This violence raised international concern about South Sudan’s deteriorating security, exacerbated by clashes between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and the White Army, signaling potential threats to the fragile peace agreement.
Uganda’s involvement may bolster Kiir’s administration amid allegations that opposition forces, notably Riek Machar’s SPLA-IO, support the White Army’s attacks. Uganda’s military commitment represents a critical escalation in support for Kiir, raising concerns about heightened regional tensions and the possibility of backlash from other neighboring countries.
The NRM Caucus’s approval of the UPDF deployment to South Sudan marks a decisive military intervention amid escalating violence in the region. This action aligns with Uganda’s constitutional framework and past precedents of involvement in African conflicts, though it could increase regional tension and complicate the security situation further. The resolution has set the stage for parliamentary endorsement, solidifying Uganda’s military role in South Sudan.
Original Source: chimpreports.com
