Today, Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda has called upon Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa to facilitate a comprehensive government briefing on Uganda’s military operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and South Sudan.
This call for transparency comes as concerns mount over the lack of official communication regarding the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) engagements on two war fronts.
During a parliamentary session, Ssemujju did not mince words as he questioned why MPs were left to glean crucial national security information from the media instead of being properly briefed by the government.
“Our Army is executing two wars, in DRC and in South Sudan, and reports keep coming through the media, including the most unfortunate one, that we lost a Colonel who was part of the fighting in DRC,” Ssemujju stated.
“But there are also reports in the international media accusing Uganda of using chemicals in South Sudan. When will you facilitate the government to brief Parliament on these wars? Because we can’t continue as representatives of people, consuming information from media and social media when our Army is executing wars on two fronts.”
The mention of chemical weapon allegations has added an explosive layer to Ssemujju’s demands.
Reports circulating in international media allege that the UPDF has used chemical agents in South Sudan, a claim that if true would not only violate international law but also tarnish Uganda’s reputation on the global stage.
As the whispers of chemical warfare spread, the absence of an official government stance has left both MPs and the public in a cloud of uncertainty.
This is not the first time Uganda has faced criticism over the opacity of its military operations.
The government’s tight-lipped approach to warfare has often been defended on the grounds of national security. However, opposition argue that the lack of transparency breeds speculation, misinformation and distrust.
Ssemujju’s concerns are shared by many who believe that Parliament must exercise its oversight role more vigorously. With the UPDF stretched thin across two conflict zones, the financial and human costs are significant.
“We are not asking for military secrets, we are asking for accountability,” Ssemujju reiterated. “We represent the people and they deserve to know what their government is doing in their name.”
