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NRM have resolved to support the deployment of UPDF in South Sudan
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By Our Reporter
Parliament
Members of Parliament (MPs) affiliated with the National Resistance Movement (NRM) have resolved to support the deployment of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) in South Sudan, describing it as a necessary peace enforcement intervention aimed at protecting lives, restoring stability, and preventing further conflict escalation. The announcement was made by the Government Chief Whip, Hamson Obua, during a press briefing at Parliament. He explained that the decision to send Ugandan troops to South Sudan followed an urgent appeal from South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir to President Yoweri Museveni, requesting military assistance in containing the outbreak of violence in the 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 conflict,” Obua stated.
Justification for Deployment
Government has defended its decision to send troops before seeking parliamentary approval, arguing that prior authorization is only required for peacekeeping missions, while the current deployment falls under peace enforcement, which allows for troops to be deployed before retrospective approval by Parliament.
“In our resolution, it is crystal clear that the deployment isn’t for peacekeeping, but rather for peace enforcement,” Obua explained. “The clarity of the law is that for peacekeeping, you need prior parliamentary approval. But for peace enforcement, as in this case, you can deploy first and later seek Parliament’s authorization.”
Strategic importance
Obua emphasized that Uganda’s intervention aligns with its commitment to regional security, safeguarding the lives of Ugandans living and working in South Sudan, and protecting Uganda’s economic interests in the region.
The deployment has sparked debate, with some opposition lawmakers questioning the legality and implications of sending troops without initial parliamentary approval. However, NRM MPs insist that Uganda’s prompt response was necessary to prevent the situation in South Sudan from spiraling into further chaos.
As the UPDF continues its operations in South Sudan, Parliament is expected to deliberate on the matter in the coming days, potentially granting retrospective approval for the deployment.
Torch Media Africa
