Uganda's Military Involvement in South Sudan's Aerial Bombardments

A recent report by the U.N. Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan has revealed that Ugandan military forces provided assistance to South Sudan in conducting aerial bombardments that targeted civilian-populated areas, particularly affecting the Nuer ethnic community, which is aligned with opposition leader Riek Machar. The report highlights that these coordinated attacks have resulted in civilian casualties and severe injuries due to burns from incendiary devices.

UN Finds Uganda Assisted South Sudan in Civilian Airstrikes

Ugandan troops have been deployed in South Sudan to support President Salva Kiir's government against Machar's forces, following Machar's suspension from the vice presidency amid criminal charges. Uganda's military presence is justified by a bilateral security agreement, with Ugandan authorities asserting that their troops are in South Sudan at the government's invitation. The conflict has escalated since Machar was placed under house arrest for alleged involvement in a militia attack on a military garrison near the Ethiopian border in early 2025.

UN report says Ugandan troops helped South Sudan with deadly airstrikesUN Finds Uganda Assisted South Sudan in Civilian Airstrikes

The U.N. report indicates that the aerial attacks involved the use of improvised incendiary devices and were aimed at areas known to be strongholds of Machar's supporters. One significant incident occurred in March 2025 in Wunaliet, approximately 15 kilometers from Juba, where homes were set ablaze following the bombing. Eyewitness accounts describe the use of aircraft that dropped barrels of igniting liquid, leading to widespread destruction.

UN Finds Uganda Assisted South Sudan in Civilian Airstrikes

Following the attacks, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and the top military commander, publicly stated on social media that Uganda's air offensive would continue until peace was achieved with Machar. Although he referred to Kiir as his uncle, this familial language underscores the close ties between the two governments. Uganda's military leadership has denied involvement in combat operations in South Sudan, despite evidence suggesting significant operational integration and planning.

UN report says Ugandan troops helped South Sudan with deadly airstrikes

Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have accused Uganda of violating a 2018 U.N. arms embargo that prohibits military assistance to South Sudan. The U.N. expert panel has echoed these concerns, indicating that Uganda's actions may contravene international regulations regarding military support.

UN report says Ugandan troops helped South Sudan with deadly airstrikes

While the U.N. report provides substantial evidence of Uganda's involvement, it does not conclusively detail the extent of Uganda's participation in the operations or the specific nature of their military support. Uganda's government has consistently denied any combat role, leading to discrepancies in the narrative surrounding their military engagement in South Sudan.

UN Finds Uganda Assisted South Sudan in Civilian Airstrikes

The ongoing conflict poses a significant threat to the fragile peace agreement established in 2018. As fighting continues, the international community may increase scrutiny on Uganda's military actions and their implications for regional stability.

UN Finds Uganda Assisted South Sudan in Civilian Airstrikes