The Democratic Party has implored President Yoweri Museveni not to involve the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) in the South Sudan conflict.
“Uganda has been known for sending her army to different countries in the name of creating sanity and peace in war torn countries in Africa that include Somalia, the Central African Republic and Sudan,” DP Publicity Secretary Mr Kenneth Paul Kakande said at a press briefing.
He however, added that there was need to engender a cautious approach while offering a helping hand.
“Lending a helping hand to neighbouring countries is a good gesture but the continued loss of lives of innocent soldiers during these operations is also painful and needs to stop,” Kakande said, while expressing concern over the deteriorating levels of security in the neighboring South Sudan where many people including Ugandans have been caught up in the fighting.
“We call upon the government of Uganda to invoke its diplomatic responsibility to ensure safe passage of the Ugandan people who would like to get a safe passage back home”, he said.
Kakande also noted that the continued fighting in South Sudan had greatly affected business in Uganda and led to losses for many traders since Juba, the capital city and centre of fighting, is a big market and business hub for Ugandan traders.
Kakande also said there was need for all the EAC member states to ensure that bloodshed ends in South Sudan.
“As a member of the EAC South Sudan is governed by Article 6 (b) of the East African Community protocol on good governance,” Mr Kakande said and urged the two leaders, Salva Kiir and Dr Riek Machar, to put the lives of the citizens ahead of their personal interests.
