By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has accused the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) of illegally deploying troops to South Sudan.
Hon. Kaps Fungaroo, the FDC deputy president for Northern Uganda, stated that Parliament did not approve the UPDF’s deployment in South Sudan, making their operations in the neighboring country unlawful.
Ugandan troops are reportedly in South Sudan to support the government of President Salva Kiir Mayardit amid ongoing conflicts. However, the opposition in South Sudan has strongly opposed this deployment, accusing Ugandan forces of participating in aerial bombardments in the Upper Nile State.
Recently, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army-In Opposition (SPLM/A-IO), led by First Vice President Riek Machar, announced its withdrawal from several joint government activities in protest against the UPDF’s presence.
“The invitation and the presence of the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) in the country depict a mens rea (intention) and preparation for war,” the SPLM/A-IO said in a March 17 statement. It warned that the UPDF’s deployment complicates the geopolitical situation in South Sudan.
“This is tantamount to a declaration of war against peace partners and the people of South Sudan by the two governments,” the statement added.
Machar was later arrested and remains under house arrest.
The FDC argues that the UPDF’s continued operation in Upper Nile State, siding with the government against the opposition, endangers the lives of Ugandans living in South Sudan.
“The UPDF deployment is not a peacekeeping mission because they are taking sides in the conflict. Peacekeepers should be neutral, not part of the conflict. This endangers the lives of Ugandans in South Sudan,” Fungaroo stated.
The FDC says that the deployment undermines the fragile peace agreement signed in August 2018, and called for the immediate withdrawal of UPDF troops from South Sudan. They also proposed for upgrading the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the country to a peace enforcement operation, and full implementation of the government of the national unity as provided in the 2018 peace agreement.
The UPDF’s involvement in South Sudan has sparked tensions, with opposition politicians, civil society organizations, and human rights defenders blaming Uganda for escalating the conflict. They also accuse Ugandan authorities of involvement in the illegal detention of opposition leaders and the ethnic profiling of the Nuer community. Some argue that President Museveni’s government should be held accountable for the conflict’s effects in South Sudan.
The FDC also questioned Museveni’s role in the crisis following a viral video over the weekend in which Kenyan opposition leader Dr. Raila Odinga was seen asking South Sudanese President Salva Kiir for permission to meet detained Dr. Riek Machar only to be told he needed clearance from President Museveni.
“Earlier today, on an IGAD mission, I had a detailed and fruitful discussion with my brother, H.E President Salva Kiir, in Juba, South Sudan, regarding the political situation in the country,” he said.
Additionally, the FDC criticized tweets by Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, warning that his social media posts could incite violence. The party also urged South Sudanese citizens not to retaliate against Ugandans operating businesses in the country.
“I appeal to the people of South Sudan not to target Ugandans who are doing business there. Ugandans in South Sudan are also suffering, just like the people in South Sudan, because they fled harsh economic conditions back home,” Fungaroo urged.
