UPDF denies using chemical weapons in South Sudan

KAMPALA, Uganda — The Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) has vehemently denied allegations of using chemical weapons in South Sudan, calling the reports “unsubstantiated” and “misleading.”

According to Col. Chris Magezi, the acting deputy spokesperson of the Ugandan army, the allegations circulating on social media claim that the Ugandan Airforce dropped chemical and barrel weapons on rebel White Army positions in the Upper Nile and Jonglei states. However, the UPDF asserts that it does not possess chemical weapons or barrel bombs, nor does it operate systems designed to deliver them.

“The allegations are false and misleading. We do not possess chemical weapons or barrel bombs, and we do not operate systems designed to deliver them,” Col. Magezi said.

He emphasized the UPDF’s commitment to precision strikes, isolating and destroying only military targets while taking great care to avoid civilian casualties. “We take great care to avoid civilian casualties, and our operations are guided by a strict adherence to international humanitarian law.”

The UPDF noted that its involvement in South Sudan is fully authorized and supported by the South Sudan government. The force attributed the allegations to AI-generated propaganda schemes perpetuated by Dr. Riek Machar and his allies, advising that such claims should be ignored.

“We urge the public to disregard these baseless allegations and to be cautious of the misinformation spread by some individuals and groups,” Col. Magezi said.