The Ugandan Parliament approved the UPDF’s deployment in South Sudan amid escalating civil unrest. This decision, presented by Minister Jacob Oboth, was prompted by President Kiir’s urgent request for military support to avert a security crisis. The deployment aims to stabilize the region and ensure peace, benefiting both Uganda and South Sudan.
On 20 March 2025, members of the Ugandan Parliament approved the deployment of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) in South Sudan. This decision followed a motion presented by the Minister of Defence, Hon. Jacob Oboth, during a parliamentary session chaired by Speaker Anita Among. The deployment responds to escalating civil unrest in South Sudan’s Upper Nile State that began earlier that month, leading President Salva Kiir to urgently request military assistance from Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni.
Oboth explained that on 10 March 2025, President Kiir formally sought urgent military support from Museveni to prevent a potential security disaster in South Sudan, underlining the urgency of the situation. The decision by Museveni to deploy the UPDF for a peace enforcement mission was grounded in both the Ugandan Constitution and the UPDF Act, emphasizing Uganda’s commitment to stabilizing the region.
The Minister highlighted that this military support stems from principles of patriotism, nationalism, and Pan-Africanism, reflecting shared historical ties between Uganda and South Sudan. Oboth articulated that the security situation in South Sudan could adversely affect Uganda’s socio-economic and political landscape, reinforcing the necessity for military intervention.
He asserted that the UPDF’s past deployments have proven effective in stabilizing security and preventing conflicts, which ultimately benefits Uganda and the entire region. Supporting him, Hon. Gilbert Olanya voiced the need for unity among lawmakers, particularly from regions directly affected by the unrest, to endorse the UPDF’s deployment for the sake of peace and economic stability in both countries.
The Ugandan Parliament’s approval for the UPDF’s deployment in South Sudan marks a significant response to regional instability, driven by requests from South Sudan’s leadership for urgent military assistance. This collaborative effort is framed within a broader context of historical ties and mutual security interests, intending to reinforce peace and prevent economic fallout in Uganda. Lawmakers express strong support for the mission, emphasizing its potential benefits for both nations.
Original Source: www.zawya.com
