UPDF Denies Allegations of Using Chemical Weapons in South Sudan

The Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) has denied allegations circulating on social media that it has used chemical weapons and barrel bombs against White Army rebels in the Upper Nile and Jonglei states of northern South Sudan.

In an official statement, UPDF spokesperson Chris Magezi dismissed the claims as baseless, stating that the UPDF does not possess chemical weapons or barrel bombs, nor does it operate systems designed to deploy them.

Magezi emphasized that the UPDF does not target civilians or civilian infrastructure and takes great care to ensure that its operations focus solely on military targets using precision strike capabilities.

Furthermore, he claimed that these allegations are part of a disinformation campaign orchestrated by rebel leader Dr. Riek Machar and his allies, who are using artificial intelligence (AI)-generated propaganda against the UPDF's presence in South Sudan.

Magezi reiterated that the UPDF's involvement in South Sudan is fully authorized and supported by the South Sudanese government.

This statement comes amid ongoing tensions between South Sudan's government forces and rebel groups, with the UPDF actively engaged in military operations as part of an agreement between Kampala and Juba.