Uganda’s Parliament has approved the deployment of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) to South Sudan as part of efforts to stabilize the conflict-hit nation.
The decision follows a request from South Sudanese President Salva Kiir to President Yoweri Museveni for urgent military assistance.
The approval came during a parliamentary session chaired by Speaker Anita Among on Thursday, March 20, 2025, where Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Jacob Oboth, presented a motion in support of the deployment.
Lawmakers overwhelmingly backed the move, citing Uganda’s commitment to regional stability, security, and economic interests.
“On March 10, 2025, in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation and the Status of Forces Agreement, President Salva Kiir requested President Museveni for urgent military support to avert a potential security catastrophe in South Sudan,” Hon. Oboth stated.
He emphasized that President Museveni’s decision was based not only on Uganda’s legal mandate but also on its principles of patriotism, nationalism, and Pan-Africanism.
“This deployment is done in the spirit of brotherhood, solidarity, and shared historical and regional ties between Uganda and South Sudan,” he added.
As the UPDF deployed under ‘Operation Mlinzi wa Kimya’, Commander of Land Forces Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga urged troops to uphold discipline, professionalism, and integrity throughout the mission.
While addressing soldiers under the command of Brig Gen Anthony Lukwago Mbuusi, Lt Gen Muhanga stressed the importance of maintaining peace and security in South Sudan while ensuring that their conduct reflects the values of the UPDF.
The troops will play a crucial role in peace enforcement, protecting civilians, and preventing further escalation of violence.
Uganda has previously deployed forces to South Sudan under similar circumstances, reinforcing its commitment to regional peacekeeping efforts.
Hon. Oboth warned that continued unrest in South Sudan could have serious economic, social, and political consequences for Uganda. He noted that past UPDF deployments have successfully prevented conflicts from spilling over into Uganda.
“The presence of UPDF in South Sudan has been and will continue to be instrumental in enforcing peace, protecting lives, and ensuring stability—not just for South Sudan, but also for Uganda and the wider region,” he said.
