Cabinet ratifies defence protocol on regional security

KAMPALA: Cabinet Wednesday approved UPDF’ military operations alongside national armies of other East African Community member states, potentially to combat terrorism and rebel activities in the region.

Ms Rosemary Namayanja, the Information minister, said yesterday, the East African Community Protocol on Cooperation on Defence Affairs signed into operation in 2012 by the five Heads of State, majorly seeks to bolster security against terrorism.

“The ground is already set for this Cooperation because there is an established framework to bring the Intelligence Organs and the Police to work together within the East African Community to among others, conduct joint military operations to combat terrorism and other global crimes committed within the soils of the EAC.”

The approval of the protocol comes less than a week after Parliament okayed UPDF’ presence in conflict laden South Sudan-whose membership into the bloc is still under review.

She further, remarked that, Cabinet also authorised the Minister of Foreign Affairs to sign, seal and deposit the Instrument of Ratification of the protocol in accordance with Section 3 of the Ratification of Treaties Act, 1998, Cap. 204. 

The protocol already ratified by the Parliaments of Kenya and Rwanda also seeks to bolster security and stability in the region.

 “Uganda has been a prime mover in the East African integration process and among the key milestones made is this one,” she added.

Under the framework, an attack on Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Burundi or Tanzania, implies hostility against all five.

The minister also said that the protocol states will seek to resolve conflicts within, and between two or more member states, or defend any foreign aggression, through peaceful means in consultation with the African Union or UN. Security Council.

The Tanzanian government last year raised concerns about some clauses in the pact, specifically one that requires member states to “assist each other” during process of war.

It sought precision on whether one country going to war would suck in other partner states, a matter of-factly-yet to be addressed.

Attempts to get comment from the E.A.C secretariat in Tanzania was futile press time, but the Secretary General Amb. Dr. Richard Sezibera, earlier on, directed all member states to ratify the protocol and submit their instruments of ratification to his office.