Defence Minister Jacob Oboth denies the knowledge of Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) deployment in South Sudan under the operation ‘Mlinzi wa Kimya’ a move publicly announced by Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
This issue came to light when Kira Municipality MP, Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda asked Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa to halt ongoing debates in Parliament until the Government clarified why the army was deployed without the necessary approval from the legislature as required by law.
Minister Oboth in response distanced himself from the deployment.
“I have not participated in any meeting authorizing such a deployment. I need time to verify these reports,” he said.
MP Jonathan Odur (Erute South) did not hold back openly questioning if the Government had lost control over the military and its top leadership.
“If it is true, it is a serious matter. Let Government show us that they are actually in control. Since this is an urgent matter, the Minister should be able to verify this information quickly,” Odur argued.
His concerns went beyond just authorities. He pointed out the financial and diplomatic implications of such an operation stating that Uganda could be committing significant resources and personnel to a foreign conflict without transparency or oversight.
This controversy has reignited speculation about Gen. Muhoozi’s growing influence in Uganda’s security sector. As CDF and President Museveni’s son, Muhoozi has been known for his bold often independent military decisions some of which he announces via social media.
His tweet on March 11, confirming UPDF’s arrival in South Sudan under “Operation Mlinzi wa Kimya” seemed to have caught even Uganda’s Defence Ministry by surprise.
With Parliament demanding immediate clarification, Minister Oboth has promised to verify the deployment and return with a comprehensive report.
