The Uganda NRM caucus has approved the deployment of UPDF troops to South Sudan to help restore stability amid recent conflicts. This decision follows escalating tensions between President Kiir and First Vice President Machar’s forces. The deployment has raised discussions concerning parliamentary approval, to which the NRM has responded by framing it as a necessary intervention for peace.
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) parliamentary caucus in Uganda has approved the deployment of Ugandan troops to South Sudan to help restore stability in the nation currently embroiled in conflict. This resolution was reached during a meeting chaired by President Yoweri Museveni at State House Entebbe on Thursday. Increasing tensions between President Salva Kiir’s and First Vice President Riek Machar’s forces have raised alarms regarding the fragile peace in the region.
Recent violence escalated following an attack on Nasir by militias purportedly loyal to Machar. This incident led to significant casualties, including the death of a South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) commander, prompting a crackdown by Kiir’s administration against Machar’s supporters. The crackdown has resulted in the detention of high-profile figures, including the Petroleum Minister and senior military officials, intensifying fears about the 2018 peace agreement that concluded a previous civil war.
According to Government Chief Whip Hamson Obua, the NRM caucus confirmed that the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) deployment is consistent with Ugandan constitutional law. The caucus stated, “We 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 NRM proposed obtaining parliamentary approval for the deployment, which addresses concerns previously expressed by legislators about the UPDF’s involvement in South Sudan. Defence Minister Jacob Oboth Oboth indicated he was not informed of the deployment amidst reports that Ugandan forces had arrived in Juba.
Colonel Chris Magezi clarified that the UPDF responded swiftly to a request from the South Sudanese government to tackle the deteriorating security situation. He remarked, “The UPDF acted decisively on the request of the government of South Sudan to avert a dangerously developing situation,” emphasizing the deployment’s relevance to both national and regional security. The Defence Minister would receive updates on the deployment’s particulars at the appropriate time.
The deployment has ignited discussion in Uganda about the lack of prior parliamentary approval, but the NRM caucus now frames it as vital for ensuring regional stability. South Sudan, which became independent in 2011, has faced numerous internal conflicts, with Uganda having historically intervened in its disputes, notably during the civil war that erupted in 2013.
The endorsement of UPDF deployment to South Sudan by Uganda’s ruling caucus highlights a significant step aimed at restoring stability amidst heightened tensions in the region. The deployment, responding to urgent security requests, underscores Uganda’s historical role in South Sudan’s conflicts and the implications for regional peace efforts. With parliamentary support acquired, the situation now awaits further developments regarding operational details and legislative oversight.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
