Ugandan Airforce Airdrops Emergency Food Aid in Conflict-Hit South Sudan

Upper Nile State, South Sudan — The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Air Force (UPDAF) has delivered hundreds of metric tonnes of emergency food aid to famine-stricken communities in South Sudan’s Upper Nile State, as part of a multinational humanitarian response to the worsening crisis.

The airdrops—coordinated from Juba International Airport—have targeted Ulang and Nasir counties, where thousands of internally displaced people are living in dire conditions following renewed violence that erupted earlier this year.

The aid, provided by a coalition of international partners, is being delivered amid ongoing clashes between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO), a Nuer militia group loyal to detained Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny Dhurgon.

The SPLA-IO, also known locally as the “White Army,” has been accused of carrying out brutal attacks on Dinka communities and other ethnic groups in the region, exacerbating humanitarian needs and triggering widespread displacement.

In response to a formal request by the South Sudanese government, Uganda deployed a contingent of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) in March 2025 to support rear security operations in and around Juba. The UPDF’s presence has helped stabilise the capital, paving the way for the return of diplomatic missions, resumption of business operations, and increased regional trade.

“The security situation in greater Juba has significantly improved,” said Colonel Chris Magezi, Acting Director of Defence Public Information. “This has allowed us to pivot resources toward supporting humanitarian missions in the hardest-hit areas, such as Upper Nile.”

The Ugandan airforce’s role underscores the deepening security and humanitarian cooperation between Kampala and Juba, at a time when regional support is critical to preventing further loss of life.