Parliament is slated to debate a resolution for the UPDF’s deployment in South Sudan. The Minister of Defense will present the motion, which has backing from the ruling NRM party, citing constitutional alignment and regional stability goals. President Kiir’s appeal to Museveni for military support amidst conflict underscores the urgency of Uganda’s intervention.
On Thursday, Parliament is set to discuss and possibly approve a resolution that formalizes the deployment of the Uganda Peoples Defense Forces (UPDF) to South Sudan, a region experiencing ongoing unrest. The main item on the Order Paper is the motion to authorize this deployment, which has already been initiated.
The motion, which pertains to the memorandum of understanding on defense cooperation and the status of forces agreement between Uganda and South Sudan, will be introduced by the Minister of Defense and Veterans Affairs, Jacob Oboth-Oboth. Members of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party had previously endorsed the deployment in their caucus meeting.
During a press briefing after the caucus meeting, Government Chief Whip Denis Hamson Obua emphasized that the deployment aligns with both the Ugandan Constitution and the UPDF Act. He stated, “We have resolved 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.”
Obua also highlighted Uganda’s commitment to regional stability through principles of patriotism and Pan-Africanism. He noted, “We recognize Uganda’s historical commitment to patriotism, nationalism, and Pan-Africanism in the pursuit of national security and regional stability.”
The NRM Caucus reviewed previous UPDF missions, acknowledging their role in safeguarding Ugandan and African lives through military interventions. Obua mentioned that Salva Kiir, the President of South Sudan, had reached out to Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni requesting military assistance amidst the ongoing conflict. “We are mindful of the recent appeal by H.E Salva Kir for urgent support following the outbreak of conflict in South Sudan,” he stated.
Parliament’s upcoming debate on the UPDF deployment in South Sudan highlights significant political and military considerations. The NRM Caucus supports the operation as a necessary measure for peace and stability in the region, reflecting Uganda’s historical commitment to regional security and Pan-African ideals. The motion, anticipated to pass, reinforces Uganda’s strategic military role in South Sudan amidst ongoing conflict.
Original Source: chimpreports.com
