The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Parliamentary Caucus has endorsed the deployment of the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) to South Sudan following an appeal from President Salva Kiir for urgent support in containing the ongoing conflict.
During a meeting at State House, Entebbe, on Thursday, the caucus, chaired by Government Chief Whip Denis Hamson Obua, backed the government's decision to send Ugandan troops.
The MPs cited Uganda’s longstanding commitment to regional stability and security as part of its Pan-Africanist agenda.
"The deployment of the UPDF is a necessary peace enforcement measure to protect lives, restore stability, and prevent further escalation of conflict," the caucus stated in a resolution.
The legislators also pledged to support parliamentary approval of the deployment in line with Uganda’s Constitution and the UPDF Act.
Uganda has previously intervened in South Sudan, citing security concerns and economic interests.
Concerns over South Sudan’s security have intensified, prompting the U.S. to order the evacuation of all non-emergency staff.
Recently, security forces arrested the deputy army chief and two ministers both allies of Vice President Riek Machar a move the opposition condemned as a “grave violation” of the peace agreement.
One of the ministers has since been released.
The arrests followed clashes in Upper Nile State between government troops and the White Army militia, which previously fought alongside Machar during the civil war that erupted in 2013.
The conflict, triggered by a political dispute between Kiir and Machar, resulted in intense fighting in Juba, with Kiir accusing Machar of attempting a coup an allegation Machar denied.
The war claimed over 400,000 lives.
Although a 2018 power-sharing deal halted major fighting, key provisions including drafting a new constitution, holding elections, and integrating armed groups into a unified army remain unfulfilled.