Senate Committee on Foreign Relations (Courtesy)
Washington D.C., March 9, 2026
Savanna Radio News Bulletin
In a stinging rebuke, the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee has branded Uganda a shift from “reliable security partner” to “exporter of brutality,” demanding an urgent reassessment of bilateral ties over alleged atrocities in South Sudan. The committee’s statement, obtained by Savanna Radio, cites mounting evidence of Ugandan forces’ involvement in violent excesses, paralleling responses to South Sudan war crimes.
The declaration warns that Uganda’s role in regional conflicts has crossed a red line, urging the Administration, now under President Trump’s oversight, to impose “serious repercussions” akin to sanctions on South Sudan perpetrators. “This evidence should kickstart a reassessment of our bilateral relationship,” the statement declares, spotlighting Uganda’s troop deployments in South Sudan amid accusations of civilian targeting and rights abuses. It contrasts Uganda’s past cooperation on counterterrorism with current destabilizing actions.
This comes amid heightened U.S. scrutiny of East African security dynamics, including Uganda’s interventions in South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Critics in Juba and Kampala view the statement as leverage ahead of 2026 elections, potentially straining U.S.-Uganda military pacts. Savanna Radio sources indicate the committee referenced classified intelligence and NGO reports on Ugandan units’ conduct.
Uganda has been accused by UN reports of aiding South Sudan’s government in aerial attacks on civilian areas, particularly in Upper Nile State during early 2025 clashes with SPLA-IO and Nuer “White Army” militias. Deployed at Juba’s request for technical support, Ugandan forces allegedly joined SSPDF in using incendiary bombs and barrel strikes, killing dozens, including through burns, in places like Nasir, Longechuk, Ulang, and near Juba. Uganda denies civilian targeting, calling UN findings “lies,” while confirming operations against rebels.
Domestic Repression
At home, Uganda faces U.S. ire over the 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Act’s brutal enforcement, with over 700 arrests and extrajudicial killings of activists. The committee called for targeted sanctions on Museveni allies, freezing assets and travel bans, while urging a review of U.S. aid exceeding $900 million annually.
Lawmakers demanded Uganda withdraw forces from DRC, release political prisoners like Bobi Wine, and cease election interference in neighboring states. The statement warns of Uganda’s pariah status unless reforms begin, echoing African Union pleas for restraint.
Savanna Radio will track U.S. policy shifts and reactions from Presidents Kiir and Museveni. Stay tuned for live analysis on air.
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