Parliament has approved the deployment of UPDF for a peace enforcement mission, emphasizing that the move aligns with Uganda’s commitment to patriotism, nationalism, and Pan-Africanism.
While presenting the motion, Minister of Defence Marksons Oboth defended the deployment, stating that Uganda has a longstanding role in safeguarding the lives and property of not only Ugandans but also Africans through strategic military interventions across the continent.
“Uganda also has a longstanding role in safeguarding the lives and property of Ugandans and Africans at large through strategic military interventions in various countries across the continent,” said Minister Oboth.
He further explained that UPDF’s deployment in South Sudan was driven by brotherhood, solidarity, and regional security interests.
“The deployment in South Sudan was also done in the spirit of brotherhood, solidarity, security of Uganda and the economy, as well as the shared historical and regional ties between Uganda and South Sudan,” he added.
The Defence Minister revealed that on March 10, 2025, South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir formally requested President Museveni for urgent military support to prevent a potential security crisis in his country.
“Following the request by H.E. Salva Kiir, H.E. the President of Uganda has, in accordance with Article 98(1) of the Constitution and Sections 38(1)(b) and 39 of the UPDF Act, deployed UPDF in the Republic of South Sudan,” said Oboth.
Last week, the NRM Parliamentary Caucus unanimously resolved to support the deployment of UPDF in South Sudan.
However, the decision has sparked controversy and debate among key stakeholders in both Uganda and South Sudan, with some questioning the implications of Uganda’s continued military involvement in regional conflicts.
South Sudan, Africa’s youngest nation, has been plagued by political instability and armed conflicts since gaining independence from Sudan in 2011. The country descended into civil war in 2013 following a power struggle between President Salva Kiir and his then-deputy Riek Machar, leading to widespread violence, displacement, and humanitarian crises.
Despite multiple peace agreements, sporadic clashes among rival factions and armed groups continue, exacerbating tensions. Uganda has played a key role in stabilizing South Sudan, previously deploying the UPDF in 2013 to protect key infrastructure and assist Kiir’s government in repelling rebel forces.
The latest deployment follows a March 10, 2025, request from President Kiir to Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni, seeking military support to prevent a looming security crisis. Uganda justifies its involvement based on regional security interests, historical ties, and economic considerations, given South Sudan’s role as a key trading partner.
However, the move has drawn mixed reactions, with critics warning of potential long-term entanglements in South Sudan’s internal conflicts.
