In a critical humanitarian mission, the Uganda People’s Defence Air Force (UPDAF) has airdropped hundreds of metric tonnes of emergency food aid to areas severely affected by conflict in South Sudan’s northern Upper Nile State.
The region is currently experiencing famine-like conditions, with thousands of displaced civilians struggling to survive following the outbreak of armed violence earlier this year.
The aid, supplied by a coalition of international partners, has been airlifted from Juba International Airport to Ulang and Nasir Counties in Upper Nile State.
Since March 2025, fierce fighting has erupted between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO), a Nuer tribal militia loyal to the incarcerated First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny Dhurgon.
The SPLA-IO, also known as the White Army, has been accused of carrying out widespread massacres against the Dinka community and other ethnic groups in the region.
At the request of South Sudanese authorities, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) deployed an expeditionary force to the country in March 2025.
The UPDF has been assisting the SSPDF with rear-area security operations, helping to stabilize the capital, Juba, and providing various forms of military and technical support.
According to Colonel Chris Magezi, Acting Director of Defense Public Information, the security situation in the greater Juba region has significantly improved.
“This stabilization has led to a resurgence of foreign missions, commercial activity and trade in the area”. He said.
