The government of Uganda has rejected accusations from a United Nations investigation that its troops were involved in airstrikes that harmed civilians in South Sudan.
A report by the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan said joint bombardments by South Sudanese forces and the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) targeted areas populated mainly by the Nuer community, which is often linked to opposition forces.
Uganda’s defence ministry denied the allegations, saying its military has never targeted civilians in its history and that its troops in South Sudan are there to help prevent violence and protect the population.
Ugandan soldiers are deployed in South Sudan to support the government of President Salva Kiir against forces loyal to opposition leader Riek Machar, who was suspended as vice president in 2024 after facing criminal charges.
According to the UN report, one attack in March 2025 near Juba involved aircraft dropping containers filled with flammable liquid, which ignited and burned homes. Witnesses told investigators that several civilians were severely burned during the incident.
Uganda insists its troops are operating legally under a bilateral security agreement with the South Sudanese government and denies using chemical weapons or targeting civilian communities.
The allegations highlight ongoing tensions and humanitarian concerns as conflict continues in parts of South Sudan.
SOURCE: TRT Africa
