By The deployment of Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldiers to South Sudan has ignited a storm of debate, drawing sharp criticism from key stakeholders in both Uganda and South Sudan. The controversy has exposed divisions among Ugandan authorities, as well as confusion over the legitimacy of the move.
The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and the Defence Minister appear to be on different pages regarding the deployment, while South Sudanese officials have distanced themselves from the reported invitation of Ugandan troops.
Disputed Announcement and Political Backlash
Gen Muhoozi first revealed the deployment through a video posted on his official X account on March 11, showing UPDF soldiers disembarking from a plane.
He wrote: “UPDF Commandos arriving in Juba to support South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) in the current crisis. Operation ‘Mlinzi wa Kimya’ has begun. God bless UPDF!”
However, the announcement was swiftly met with opposition. Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, the Member of Parliament for Kira Municipality, denounced the deployment as unconstitutional. He argued that the move violated the UPDF Act 2005, which mandates parliamentary approval before deploying Ugandan troops outside the country.
“The CDF has just announced the deployment of our military in South Sudan. Such action requires Parliament’s approval. We must debate this matter immediately,” Ssemujju asserted during a parliamentary session.
Defence Minister Claims Ignorance
In a shocking revelation, Defence Minister Oboth Oboth stated that he was unaware of any formal decision to deploy UPDF troops to South Sudan.
“I have no official communication on this deployment. As a lawyer, I rely on formal channels, not social media,” Oboth remarked, raising questions about the decision-making process.
Similarly, Erute County South MP Jonathan Odur criticized the lack of transparency, emphasizing that decisions of such magnitude should not be made without involving Parliament and the Defence Ministry.
“If the Minister of Defence is unaware, it suggests critical government functions are being bypassed,” Odur said, citing Section 39 of the UPDF Act, which stipulates that Parliament must authorize any foreign deployment.
Parliamentary Deadlock and South Sudan’s Denial
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa refused to entertain Ssemujju’s motion, citing procedural issues. He insisted that the request should have been submitted at least two hours before the parliamentary session commenced.
Meanwhile, efforts to obtain clarification from the South Sudanese government have yielded conflicting statements. South Sudan’s Information Minister, Michael Makuei, outrightly denied the presence of Ugandan troops in Juba, further deepening the confusion surrounding the matter.
The deployment has sparked outrage among sections of the South Sudanese population, with critics accusing Uganda of interfering in the country’s internal affairs and propping up President Salva Kiir’s government.
UPDF and Government Defend the Move
Despite the backlash, the UPDF has stood by its actions. Acting Deputy Defence Spokesperson Maj Bilal Katamba reaffirmed Gen Muhoozi’s announcement, stating that the UPDF was responding to a request from the South Sudanese government.
Similarly, Col Chris Magezi, another Defence Ministry spokesperson, justified the move on X: “The UPDF acted decisively upon South Sudan’s request to prevent an escalating crisis. This is in the interest of regional stability.”
However, Mukono North MP Abdallah Kiwanuka condemned the deployment, calling it a reckless misuse of taxpayers’ money. “This is another example of illegal military intervention, just like in DR Congo,” he argued.
Legal and Regional Implications
Under Uganda’s Constitution and the UPDF Act, the military is subordinate to civilian authority. Section 39 explicitly states that any deployment outside Uganda for peacekeeping or enforcement must be approved by Parliament. The law further mandates that, even during recess, Parliament must be recalled for an emergency session to ratify any such decision.
Activists and International Bodies Weigh In
Dr. Remember Miamingi, a South Sudanese governance expert, condemned Uganda’s actions, warning that the deployment could destabilize the region. In an opinion piece, he accused President Museveni of supporting President Kiir’s government at the expense of South Sudanese citizens.
The African Union (AU) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) have also raised concerns over escalating violence in South Sudan. IGAD leaders have called for immediate dialogue and ceasefire adherence, warning that ongoing clashes could derail the 2018 peace agreement.
As tensions escalate, all eyes are on the Ugandan government to clarify its stance on the deployment. Will Parliament demand an official explanation, or will the move go unchallenged? Meanwhile, South Sudan’s government must clarify its position amid contradicting statements from top officials.
This unfolding situation raises pressing questions about Uganda’s military decision-making process, constitutional adherence, and the broader implications for regional stability.
