Fake post alleging UPDF deployment. (-)

The Ugandan People’s Defense Force (UPDF) has refuted recent claims that it has deployed troops in South Sudan.

In the last few days, social media users alleged the foreign force deployment on South Sudan soil – through online posts backed up by images of a convoy of troops.

Several posts made unverified assertions using the pictures of soldiers and armored vehicles purported to transport Ugandan soldiers to South Sudan.

However, UPDF deputy spokesperson, Lt. Col Deo Akiiki, categorically denied the claims, saying the photos are outdated.

Speaking to a journalist from the Ugandan newspaper, The New Vision, Colonel Akiiki dismissed the authenticity of the circulated photos.

“We have not done any deployment in South Sudan. We have been in a very cordial relationship with South Sudan, and we don’t have intention of deploying unless it is required by the East African Community or any other authority from the government of South Sudan,” Akiiki said.

He, however, clarified that the images date back to previous years when Ugandan forces were engaged in operations to evacuate their citizens during the civil war in South Sudan.

“Whatever is being shown are pictures of a long time ago when we rescued our people from South Sudan during the war there. These pictures you are seeing or being moved around by propagandists are pictures of that time.”