UN Report: Ugandan Troops Assisted South Sudan in Deadly Airstrikes Targeting Civilians

NAIROBI: A recent UN inquiry has found that Ugandan forces assisted South Sudan in carrying out airstrikes a year ago that killed and severely burned civilians, particularly affecting the Nuer ethnic community in opposition-controlled areas.

The report by the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan detailed that joint aerial bombardments involved improvised incendiary devices and targeted civilian-populated zones, raising serious human rights concerns. Witnesses reported homes engulfed in flames and civilians, including children, suffering severe burns.

Ugandan troops have been deployed in South Sudan to support President Salva Kiir’s government against forces loyal to opposition leader Riek Machar, who is currently on trial for treason and other charges. Uganda maintains its presence is under a bilateral security agreement and at the invitation of South Sudan’s government.

The report also highlighted operational integration and planning between Ugandan and South Sudanese forces, though it did not quantify the exact number of operations or the extent of Uganda’s involvement. Satellite and flight-tracking data indicated that a Ugandan military plane was active in the area during at least one of the strikes.

Previous allegations by Amnesty International and UN panels indicated that Uganda violated a 2018 UN arms embargo restricting military assistance to South Sudan. Uganda has denied attacking civilians or using chemical weapons and insisted its forces are present legally.

The UN report underscores that ongoing fighting in South Sudan continues to threaten the 2018 peace agreement, with escalations in opposition strongholds prompting further military operations.

The findings are likely to increase international scrutiny of Uganda’s military involvement and its accountability under international humanitarian law.