March 22, 2025 ULANG — An airstrike in Ulang County, Upper Nile State, on Friday night killed one person and injured 12 others, local officials confirmed. This marks the second aerial assault on the county within a week, as tensions escalate between government forces and armed youth groups.
A military plane struck the county Thursday without causing casualties. However, Friday’s attack on Kuich Payam, which involved explosive barrels, resulted in significant civilian harm, according to Khor Dak Gony, executive director of Ulang County. He reported that ten critically injured residents were receiving care at a Médecins Sans Frontières hospital, with two others awaiting medical assistance.
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) have faced allegations of conducting airstrikes in support of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF). Kampala has not commented on these claims. This military activity follows the March 4 overrunning of an SSPDF base in Nasir County by the White Army, a youth group reportedly linked to First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar.
Khor urged national authorities to prioritize dialogue over violence.
“The weapons being used 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 was unavailable for comment.
