Kampala, Uganda – March 14, 2025: Members of Parliament from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) have endorsed the deployment of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) to neighboring South Sudan.
The new development was communicated by the Government Chief Whip, Denis Hamson Obua, as he addressed journalists at Parliament on Friday after a caucus meeting convened at State House, Entebbe.
“We, the members of the NRM Parliamentary Caucus, affirm that the deployment of the UPDF is in line with Uganda’s Constitution and the UPDF Act,” said Obua.
He added: “We have resolved 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 UPDF Special Forces were this week deployed to South Sudan following a flare-up of tensions between the ruling factions between President Salva Kiir and Riek Machar. The deployment, Obua noted, aligns with Uganda’s historical commitment to regional security and the spirit of Pan-Africanism.
“We recognize Uganda’s longstanding commitment to patriotism, nationalism, and Pan-Africanism in the pursuit of national security and regional stability,” Obua stated. He noted that the NRM Caucus also reflected on previous UPDF missions across Africa.
“We acknowledge Uganda’s consistent role in safeguarding the lives and property of Ugandans and Africans at large through strategic military interventions in various countries across the continent,” he said.
Obua, who also serves as the Chairperson of the Caucus, revealed that South Sudanese President Salva Kiir had appealed to his Ugandan counterpart, President Yoweri Museveni, for military assistance.
“We are mindful of the recent appeal by H.E. Salva Kiir, President of the Republic of South Sudan, to H.E. Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda and Commander-in-Chief of the UPDF, for urgent support following the outbreak of conflict in South Sudan,” he said.
He emphasized that the deployment was not only an act of solidarity and brotherhood but also crucial for Uganda’s security and economic interests.
It is worth noting that the UPDF previously deployed in Juba and Bor in December 2013 when a fierce civil war erupted between Kiir and forces loyal to then-First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar.
Obua was accompanied by members of the Caucus executive, including General Secretary Hon. Lillian Aber, who also serves as the State Minister for Disaster Preparedness, Treasurer Hon. Nakut Faith, and Publicity Secretary Hon. Brandon Kintu.
