UPDF Rejects UN Report Alleging Role in South Sudan Airstrikes
Chris Magezi, the Acting Director of Defence Public Information
By skika reporter
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces has dismissed a United Nations report accusing it of supporting airstrikes in South Sudan that allegedly resulted in civilian deaths and injuries.
In a statement issued Tuesday, Chris Magezi, the Acting Director of Defence Public Information, said the findings by the United Nations Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan were incomplete and failed to consider Uganda’s official position.
The report, released on February 27, 2026, alleged that Ugandan forces participated in joint military operations with the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces, including aerial bombardments in areas largely inhabited by the Nuer community. The Nuer population is widely perceived to support opposition leader Riek Machar.
According to the commission, the operations targeted opposition-aligned areas and resulted in civilian deaths, severe injuries and destruction of homes.
However, the Ugandan military rejected the allegations, insisting that its deployment in South Sudan was lawful and aimed at stabilizing the country.
“Reference is made to the report of the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan published on 27 February 2026 and the accompanying media reporting. The current UPDF operation in South Sudan is completely legitimate,” Magezi said.
He explained that the Ugandan forces were deployed at the invitation of the government of Salva Kiir and that the mission was approved by the Parliament of Uganda.
“UPDF was invited by the sovereign government of the country, and the deployment was approved by Parliament of Uganda. UPDF has never targeted civilians in its 45-year history, which is why it is extremely popular with the people wherever it operates,” Magezi added.
Ugandan troops were deployed to Juba in March 2025 under a peace enforcement mission code-named Operation Mlinzi wa Kimya. The mission was launched following rising tensions in South Sudan amid fears of renewed civil war.
The operation aimed to support government forces in maintaining stability, protecting critical infrastructure and preventing the collapse of the government.
The UN commission report also raised concerns that the build-up of Ugandan troops in South Sudan could potentially violate the UN arms embargo imposed on the country.
But the Ugandan military dismissed the claims and argued that its presence helped prevent further violence in the capital and stopped attacks by the White Army militia against civilians.
“The report is not exhaustive, while the media reporting is biased and does not take into consideration Uganda’s positions which have been communicated numerous times to the UN,” Magezi said.
Uganda maintains that its involvement in South Sudan is intended to promote political dialogue, maintain regional stability and prevent widespread violence.
The country has previously intervened militarily in South Sudan during key moments of instability. Ugandan forces first deployed in 2013 to support President Kiir during the outbreak of civil war and again in 2016 following renewed clashes between government troops and forces loyal to Machar.
