Bishop Kaggwa supports UPDF's role in S. Sudan

By David Lumu

Masaka Diocese Bishop John Baptist Kaggwa has thrown weight on the role of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) in South Sudan.

He says that by deploying to protect humanity, the army continued to showcase the peace ideology that’s evident in countries like Somalia, DR. Congo and Central African Republic.

Speaking at a function organized by UPDF’s Armored Brigade in Masaka, Kaggwa told the men-in-uniform at Kasijjagirwa barracks that Uganda is a peaceful country and that by exporting this peace to endangered neighbors, the army is playing a patriotic duty.

Kaggwa also commended the UPDF for rescuing Ugandans and other people, who were trapped by the South Sudan war that pits President Salva Kiir and Riek Machar, the former Vice President.

Already, Parliament is divided over the deployment of the UPDF in South Sudan – with one camp supporting and the other vehemently opposing the move.

However, government has clearly stressed that UPDF is in South Sudan on the invitation of President Salva Kiir and that they are also there to save lives and evacuate Ugandans and other citizens that have been caught up in the conflict mix of South Sudan.