The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has strongly rejected a report by the United Nations Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan accusing its air force of carrying out deadly airstrikes that targeted civilians in South Sudan.
In a statement released Tuesday, Ugandan officials described the allegations as inaccurate and misleading, insisting that the UPDF has never deliberately targeted civilians during its operations in South Sudan. Instead, the military said its presence in the country has helped stabilize the situation and prevent renewed violence in the capital, Juba.
The response follows the publication of a United Nations Commission for Human Rights’ investigation which alleged that Ugandan troops assisted South Sudanese forces in conducting airstrikes that killed and severely injured civilians in areas associated with opposition groups.
According to the UN Commission’s findings, joint aerial bombardments by Ugandan and South Sudanese forces targeted civilian-populated areas during military operations in 2025, particularly in regions linked to opposition groups.
The report stated that the attacks involved the use of improvised incendiary devices that burned homes and left civilians severely injured. The commission said the bombardments largely affected communities in opposition-controlled areas.
Investigators warned that such actions, if verified, could constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law, which strictly prohibits deliberate attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure.
The allegations come amid renewed tensions in parts of South Sudan, where fragile peace arrangements have been under strain since the end of the country’s civil war.
Ugandan officials have dismissed the report, arguing that the conclusions were based on incomplete information and did not reflect the reality on the ground.
Ugandan authorities criticized the investigation as the work of an ad hoc body and rejected claims that Ugandan aircraft were involved in bombing civilians.
The UPDF insisted that its forces conduct operations with strict measures to avoid civilian harm.
Ugandan authorities further argued that the deployment of their troops in South Sudan was done with the consent of the South Sudanese government and was aimed at preventing instability.
Uganda says mission helped prevent fighting in Juba, maintaining that the presence of its forces in South Sudan has been crucial in maintaining stability, particularly in the capital city.
According to UPDF officials, their deployment helped deter attacks by armed groups and prevented what they described as potential large-scale violence in Juba.
Ugandan authorities say their involvement has focused on protecting civilians and supporting efforts to stabilize the country.
Uganda has long been a key regional actor in South Sudan’s security support.
During the outbreak of the South Sudan civil war in 2013, Ugandan forces were deployed to support the government of President Salva Kiir against opposition forces. The intervention played a significant role in protecting the capital and key infrastructure at the height of the conflict.
Although Uganda later withdrew most of its troops following the 2015 peace agreement, military cooperation between the two countries has continued, particularly in response to emerging security threats.
South Sudan government has also previously admitted publicly to the existence of a longstanding military cooperation with Uganda.
However, Uganda’s military involvement has occasionally drawn criticism from international bodies and human rights organizations, who argue that foreign military intervention risks escalating conflicts and complicating peace efforts.
The UN findings come at a time when South Sudan continues to face security challenges despite the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement, which is intended to end conflicts.
Human rights organizations have repeatedly warned that renewed clashes between government forces and opposition groups could lead to fresh humanitarian crises in parts of the country.
The UN Commission has called for further investigations into alleged violations of international law and urged all parties involved in the conflict to prioritize the protection of civilians.
The findings have also prompted US Senator Jim Risch to call for a reassessment of the bilateral relationship between the US and Uganda.
Meanwhile, Uganda has reiterated that it remains committed to regional stability and cooperation with the South Sudanese government.
Despite the disagreement over the report’s findings, analysts say the controversy highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing security operations with the need to safeguard civilian populations in conflict-affected areas.
As investigations and diplomatic discussions continue, the debate over the role of foreign forces in South Sudan is likely to remain an ongoing debate and sensitive issue in the region’s complex security landscape.
(City Review)
