Troop deployment: MPs call for amendment of UPDF Act

A section of legislators led by Kimaanya-Kabonera MP Dr. Abed Bwanika has asked government to amend  the UPDF Act to provide new avenues under which Uganda can deploy its troops out of the country.

The concerned legislators say in the new amendment, government should not first seek permission from Parliament to deploy its forces outside the country.

Article 210 of the Constitution requires government to seek Parliament’s approval before deployment of troops outside Uganda.

Section 39 (3) of the UPDF Act also allows the deployment of the forces outside the country subject to Parliamentary approval.

Now a section of legislators is fronting a proposal to government to cause an amendment in the UPDF Act that will allow government seek the permission of Parliament to deploy its troops outside Uganda given the current environment of insecurity in the region.

However, the MPs argue that the amendment should provide an avenue for government to only notify Parliament through the Defence and Internal Affairs Committee without debating the matter in the plenary.

Some opposition legislators said they will not support Bwanika's proposal.

Government is today expected to officially inform Parliament about UPDF's deployment in DR Congo, a week after Uganda and DRC launched offensives to flush out suspected ADF rebels.