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The Uganda People’s Defense Force (UPDF) has denied reports that it used chemical and barrel weapons on positions occupied by the White Army, a rebel militia, in the Upper Nile and Jonglei states of South Sudan.

The UPDF said it neither possessed chemical weapons and barrel bombs nor operated systems designed to deliver such weapons.

UPDF Acting Defence Spokesperson, Col. Chris Magezi, says 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.

The head of the UN mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Nicholas Haysom alleged that bombs containing a highly flammable liquid had been used in Upper Nile State. These attacks, Haysom said, resulted in “significant casualties and horrific injuries, especially burns”.

According to Haysom, communities in Upper Nile state had been subjected to persistent aerial bombardment after the White Army overran barracks previously occupied by the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) in early March.

The UPDF also defended its presence in South Sudan, noting that it was only involved with the full authorization and support of the South Sudanese government.