UPDF denies using chemical, barrel weapons in South Sudan rebel camps

Kampala, Uganda:- The Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) has strongly denied allegations circulating on social media that it deployed chemical and barrel weapons against rebel positions in South Sudan’s Upper Nile and Jonglei states.

Acting Defence Spokesperson, Col. Chris Magezi dismissed the claims as “unsubstantiated and misleading,” emphasizing that the UPDF does not own any of such weapons in this Arsenal.

“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 stated in a Friday morning statement.

Col. Magezi emphasized that the UPDF strictly adheres to international humanitarian law and takes 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,” he added.

Col. Magezi attributed the spread of these allegations to propaganda efforts by Dr. Riek Machar and his allies.

“We urge the public to disregard these baseless allegations and to be cautious of the misinformation spread by some individuals and groups,” he said, adding that the UPDF’s presence in South Sudan is fully authorized and supported by the South Sudanese government.

The allegations making rounds surfaced following reports from organizations such as World Without War, which condemned airstrikes in Nasir, South Sudan, and suggested that chemical incendiary weapons had been used.

Edward H. Carpenter, Director of World Without War and a former UN peacekeeper in South Sudan, expressed concern over the situation saying “This is not just an escalation—it’s a potential war crime,” Carpenter remarked.

Carpenter further warned that such actions could reignite full-scale conflict and undermine peace efforts by the United Nations and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), of which Uganda is a member.

The UPDF has a history of involvement in South Sudan, having deployed troops in December 2013 to assist the government during internal conflicts. This intervention drew criticism from international entities.

In February 2014, the United Nations reported the use of cluster bombs in South Sudan, leading to calls for investigations into those responsible. Both the South Sudanese government and the UPDF denied involvement.