Parliament has approved the deployment of Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) for a peace enforcement mission, reaffirming Uganda’s commitment to patriotism, nationalism, and Pan-Africanism.

Defense Minister Marksons Oboth, while presenting the motion on March 20, 2025, emphasized Uganda’s longstanding role in safeguarding lives and property within and beyond its borders.

“Uganda also has a longstanding role in safeguarding the lives and property of Ugandans and Africans at large through strategic military interventions in various countries across the continent,” Oboth said.

The deployment follows a request by South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir to President Yoweri Museveni, seeking urgent military support to prevent a potential security crisis in the country.

“Following the request by HE Salva Kiir, H.E. the President of Uganda has, in accordance with Article 98(1) of the Constitution and sections 38(1)(b) and 39 of the UPDF Act, deployed UPDF in the Republic of South Sudan,” Minister Oboth stated.

The mission, launched under ‘Operation Mlinzi wa Kimya,’ began on March 11, 2025, with the insertion of special operations forces through Juba International Airport. Additional task force units have since been deployed via Bibia and Nimule at the Uganda-South Sudan border. The Joint Task Force Hodari is commanded by Brig Gen Anthony Mbuusi Lukwago, a seasoned field commander who previously led Ugandan troops under AUSSOM in Somalia.

UPDF spokesperson Chris Magezi on his X handle on March 20, 2025, confirmed that UPDF commander of land forces Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga has briefed the South Sudan-bound troops, urging them to remain vigilant and mission-focused.

“The briefing was done at the 4 Infantry Division HQs in Gulu a few days ago,” Magezi stated.

The dispute erupted after President Kiir’s February cabinet reshuffle, which removed key officials aligned with First Vice President Machar. Machar claimed the move violated the 2018 peace deal, escalating tensions between their factions. Clashes soon followed, raising fears of renewed conflict. In response, IGAD convened a crisis summit on March 12, while Uganda deployed troops to prevent further instability.

“We the UPDF, only recognize one President of South Sudan, H.E. Salva Kiir … any move against him is a declaration of war against Uganda,” said Uganda’s army chief, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, in a statement on social media this week.

Uganda has a history of military support in South Sudan, with past interventions aimed at preserving security and economic stability in the region. The latest deployment aligns with the Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation and the Status of Forces Agreement between the two nations.