Parliament has thrown its weight behind the deployment of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) in South Sudan following a formal motion tabled by the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Jacob Oboth Oboth.
The motion, presented during a parliamentary session chaired by Speaker Anita Among on Thursday, March 20, 2025, sought legislative support for Uganda’s military intervention in South Sudan, where civil unrest has escalated in Upper Nile State.
Hon. Oboth informed the House that President Salva Kiir of South Sudan formally requested military assistance from Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni on March 10, citing an urgent need to prevent further deterioration of security in the region. The request was made under the framework of the existing Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation and the Status of Forces Agreement between the two nations.
“In response to the request and in line with the constitutional mandate and the UPDF Act, President Museveni sanctioned the deployment of troops to enforce peace and avert a potential security catastrophe,” Oboth stated.
The Defence Minister emphasized that Uganda’s intervention was grounded in the country’s longstanding commitment to regional stability, Pan-Africanism, and historical ties with South Sudan. He further argued that instability in South Sudan directly impacts Uganda’s security, economy, and social structure.
“The deployment of UPDF has in the past contributed to stabilizing the region and will continue to play a critical role in maintaining peace, protecting lives, and preventing further conflict escalation,” Oboth added.
The motion received widespread backing from legislators, with Hon. Gilbert Olanya (FDC, Kilak South County) strongly endorsing the deployment.
“Anyone from Acholi and West Nile fully understands the need for this deployment. For the sake of our people and businesses operating in South Sudan, we must support this move,” Olanya asserted.
He stressed that maintaining stability in South Sudan directly benefits Uganda, particularly communities in Northern Uganda that have historically been affected by cross-border insecurity.
The resolution affirms Uganda’s strategic role in fostering peace within the region and highlights the government’s commitment to safeguarding national and regional security.
