The Uganda Police Force (UPF) is set to deploy 20 officers to South Sudan under a United Nations peacekeeping arrangement, reaffirming the country’s commitment to international peace and security.
The contingent, which began a five-day pre-deployment training on Wednesday at the Kikandwa Police ICT Research and Innovation Centre in Wakiso district, will join other forces already stationed in the conflict-hit nation.
Polly Namaye, head of peace support operations in the UPF, urged the officers to carry themselves with professionalism and discipline while on duty, noting that their conduct would reflect not just on the force but on Uganda as a whole.
“I urge you to exhibit professionalism and discipline when executing your duties on the mission. Adopt the spirit of unity and teamwork to ensure successful operations,” Namaye said.
South Sudan has been teetering on the brink of renewed conflict after President Salva Kiir fell out with his First Vice President, Riek Machar, seven months ago. Machar, accused of plotting to overthrow Kiir’s government, has been under house arrest since February.
In March, Uganda deployed additional troops at Kiir’s request amid fears that Machar’s loyalists were preparing to topple the regime.
Tensions escalated further last week after Kiir’s government put Machar on trial for treason and murder, raising concerns that the country could slide back into full-scale civil war.
Ugandan troops under Col Bernard Kashemeza, the battle group commander, remain on high alert and are undergoing refresher training as the political standoff deepens in the world’s youngest nation.
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