The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has defended its military deployment in South Sudan, saying the operation is lawful and has helped prevent violence and protect civilians.
In a statement issued on March 10, 2026, the Acting Director of Defence Public Information at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Col Chris Magezi, said the deployment followed an invitation from the government of South Sudan and received approval from Uganda’s Parliament.
Magezi was responding to a report published on February 27, 2026 by the United Nations Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan and subsequent media coverage.
“The current UPDF operation in South Sudan is completely legitimate,” Magezi said. “UPDF was invited by the sovereign government of the country, and the deployment was approved by Parliament of Uganda.”
He added that the UPDF has maintained a long-standing policy of protecting civilians during its operations.
“UPDF has NEVER targeted civilians in its 45-year cherished history, that is why it is extremely popular with the people wherever it operates,” Magezi said.
According to Magezi, the Ugandan military has conducted several peace support and security operations in the region over the years. These include missions in Somalia, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan.
He said the presence of the UPDF in South Sudan helped stabilise the capital, Juba, and prevented attacks on civilians.
“The people of South Sudan are happy with UPDF operations in the country which prevented internecine fighting in Juba and stopped the White Army’s atrocities against the population,” Magezi said.
Magezi criticised the UN report and the related media coverage, saying they failed to fully reflect Uganda’s position on the matter.
“The report is not exhaustive while the media reporting is biased and does not take into consideration Uganda’s positions which have been communicated numerous times to the UN,” he said.
He added that Uganda’s approach to the South Sudan conflict focuses on dialogue and stability.
“Uganda’s position is premised on continued political dialogue between the parties, prevention of widespread violence, and securing regional stability,” Magezi said.
Uganda has been involved in South Sudan’s security affairs for several years due to concerns about instability spilling across borders and affecting regional peace.
