At least six people were killed on Monday following a deadly clash between South Sudanese and Ugandan troops in the disputed border region of Kajo Keji County, reigniting tensions between the two neighbouring countries.
According to South Sudanese officials, the confrontation resulted in the deaths of five South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) personnel and one Ugandan soldier. The incident is among the most serious escalations in recent months along the poorly demarcated border.
Ugandan army spokesperson, Brigadier General Felix Kulayigye, stated that the firefight began when South Sudanese troops allegedly crossed into Uganda’s West Nile region and refused to retreat, prompting a military response. In contrast, South Sudanese authorities in Kajo Keji accused Ugandan forces of launching an unprovoked attack, reportedly using tanks and artillery.
While the SSPDF acknowledged the incident, it did not immediately confirm casualty figures. In a statement issued Tuesday night, SSPDF spokesperson, Major General Lul Ruai Koang, said a joint South Sudan-Uganda border committee had been tasked with addressing the situation and working toward a peaceful resolution.
Despite their historically strong ties—highlighted by Uganda’s support for President Salva Kiir during South Sudan’s independence and civil war—the unresolved border demarcation continues to fuel occasional but deadly skirmishes.
In a related development earlier this year, South Sudan invited Ugandan troops into its capital, Juba, to help bolster security amid renewed tensions between President Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar.
