A U.N. report says Ugandan troops helped South Sudan conduct airstrikes that killed and badly burned civilians last year.
The joint attacks predominantly struck Nuer communities, South Sudan’s second-largest ethnic group, in areas linked to opposition forces, the report said.
Ugandan forces entered South Sudan in March 2025, deploying tanks and armoured vehicles after a militia overran a border garrison.
President Salva Kiir’s government called in Uganda to combat forces loyal to Riek Machar, who faces criminal charges and trial for treason.
The report detailed attacks using improvised incendiary devices, setting homes and barracks ablaze and leaving civilians, including children, gravely injured.
Witnesses described fiery explosions in Wunaliet, nine miles from Juba, where civilians were set alight and a boy burned beyond recognition.
Ugandan Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba posted on X that airstrikes would continue until Machar reached peace with Kiir, reflecting close government ties.
Flight data indicated that a Ugandan-operated turboprop circled the attack area on the day of the bombing, supporting U.N. investigative findings.
The U.N. report noted high levels of operational planning and command coordination but did not quantify Uganda’s exact involvement in air operations.
Uganda has repeatedly denied engaging in combat, using chemical weapons, or targeting civilians, dismissing claims of violations of the 2018 U.N. arms embargo.
Amnesty International and a U.N. panel of experts previously reported that Uganda had provided military assistance in contravention of the embargo.
The ongoing conflict has intensified in opposition strongholds, threatening the 2018 peace deal and leaving civilians trapped amid escalating air and ground violence.