Local authorities in Ulang County, Upper Nile State, have reported that one person was killed and twelve others wounded in an aerial bombardment on Friday night. This marks the second such attack in the area this week.
On Thursday, a military plane struck the county but caused no casualties, according to officials. The latest incident occurred amid escalating tensions between government forces and armed youth groups.
Uganda has deployed special forces to South Sudan, with its military chief recently announcing that troops were sent to “secure” its northern neighbor. The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) have faced accusations of conducting airstrikes in support of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) – allegations that Kampala has not publicly addressed.
The airstrikes began in the eastern part of Upper Nile State days after armed youths, known as the White Army, overran an SSPDF military base in Nasir County on 4 March, dislodging government troops. Ulang and Nasir, both located roughly 400 km (250 miles) north of Malakal town, are predominantly inhabited by the Jikany Nuer section.
The White Army is reportedly linked to First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, leader of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army-In Opposition (SPLM/A-IO). Following the Nasir incident, SSPDF forces intensified security near Machar’s residence in Juba and detained several SPLM-IO officials, including a deputy army chief and a national minister.
Khor Dak Gony, the Executive Director of Ulang County, told Radio Tamazuj that Friday’s bombardment of Kuich Payam caused significant civilian harm. “On Friday at around 8:30 pm, Kuich Payam came under attack with explosive barrels multiple times. The county commissioner has left for Kuich to assess the damage and support affected people,” he said.
Khor warned that the security situation is deteriorating, with at least ten critically injured residents receiving treatment at a Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)-run hospital in Ulang.
The county’s executive director confirmed one fatality and said two injured individuals had not yet reached medical facilities.
Khor urged national authorities to halt the bombings. “The weapons being used in the bombardment are too dangerous and have affected civilians. If there is a way, people should sit down, engage in dialogue, and find a solution instead of bombing civilians,” he said.
SSPDF Spokesperson Maj. Lul Ruai Koang could not immediately be reached for comment.