On the Question of the “UPDF” Presence in South Sudan
Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) in South Sudan; What They are Here for?
By Malith Alieer
The UPDF is not here to stay if peace is realised in the short run. Many authors have branded UPDF as an invading force that entered the country illegally with no or little support from South Sudanese people.
The people with this thinking are at least in two categories; those in the armed Opposition and their supporters and those who fear that the presence of UPDF will create more chaos than envisaged restoration of peace and stability.
On the other hand, the government and the majority of South Sudanese believed that UPDF offers more benefits than ills. The UPDF is not the first force to intervene in crises situations; these happened several times since world war I. these are called military alliances or simply allies.
Reasons for such allied interventions are many; to support an ally, to restore peace and stability, to prevent genocide, to empower local security forces through training and capacity building at the times of needs among others.
South Sudan is a signatory to one other intervention by international community immediately after signing of CPA in 2005, the UNMIS charter which later became UNMISS in July 2011. The purpose of UNMISS is primarily peace keeping in the country. Other functions include; child protection, disarmament and reintegration of militia groups, human rights protection and peace building.
UPDF acts as a complementary force to the SPLA and UNMISS and as such, has accomplished what UNMISS was unable to do, restoration of peace and stability.
UPDF has gone further and now secures and protects vital infrastructure like Juba International Airport and other national physical installations. Who else could have done that if not UPDF? The stretched country’s armed forces are engaged in the battle fronts.
On February 5 2014, members of UPDF were seen cleaning Juba streets particularly, the littered streets of Konyokonyo market. These actions will surely wind hearts and minds in the country where hope about future is at the lowest.
UNMISS has been here for close to nine years so far. Its mandate has been blurred by contrary actions or inactions at the time of need. Perhaps this can be attributed to complacency and financial constrains. The government and the people of South Sudan recently call for review of UNMISS mandate. Others are calling for replacement of UNMISS chief or total expulsion based on what is perceived as contradiction in its mandate.
UNMISS armed itself to the teeth in the name of civilian protection. This was hardly seen in action in the past years. Its acquired arms and munitions can be taken away by anyone anytime as seen with the SPLA in Opposition. Therefore, the time is rife for UNMISS to be disarmed and be allowed to act like other UN agencies that prohibit portage of arms.
The SPLA, the country’s army has a lot to learn from UPDF. It should set up a rapid standby force to intervene in regional hotspots; it should do away with tribal elements among its ranks and above all should do away with the name “SPLA” because even UPDF used to be known as NRA or National Resistance Army during the time of liberation of Uganda.
UPDF is perfectly doing more than expected in South Sudan. It rescues trapped civilians, restores peace and stability in Jonglei State and engages in activities that enhanced sanitation in Bor and Juba. How dare some people brand these actions as invasion?
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