Summary:
Government Chief Whip Hamson Obua revealed that the deployment followed a request from South Sudan’s President, Salva Kiir, who sought urgent support from President Yoweri Museveni after conflict erupted in his country.
KAMPALA: Lawmakers affiliated with the National Resistance Movement (NRM) have declared their support for the deployment of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) in South Sudan, describing it as a crucial intervention to protect lives, restore stability, and prevent further conflict escalation.
The announcement was made by Government Chief Whip Hamson Obua during a press briefing at Parliament. Obua revealed that the deployment followed a request from South Sudan’s President, Salva Kiir, who sought urgent support from President Yoweri Museveni after conflict erupted in his country.
“The NRM Parliamentary Caucus hereby resolves 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 the conflict,” Obua stated.
The government also defended its decision to send troops before seeking parliamentary approval. Obua clarified that while prior authorization is required for peacekeeping missions, the current deployment falls under peace enforcement, which allows for retrospective approval.
“In our resolution, it is crystal clear that the deployment isn’t for peacekeeping; it is for peace enforcement. The law states that for peacekeeping, prior parliamentary approval is needed. However, for peace enforcement such as our recent deployment to South Sudan immediate action can be taken, with approval sought afterward,” Obua explained.
