Africa-Press – Uganda. Ugandan and South Sudanese forces exchanged gunfire near a disputed area along the shared border between the two countries. A senior official reported that heavy gunfire erupted between the Ugandan armed forces and South Sudanese forces after Ugandan troops crossed the border and attacked positions of the South Sudanese forces in the village of Nandigo in Kajo-Keji County.
According to Jackson Moul, the commissioner of Kajo-Keji County, the fighting occurred in the border area of Andigio after Ugandan People’s Defense Forces warned South Sudanese People’s Defense Forces to leave the area, claiming the land belonged to Uganda. Moul stated that the South Sudanese forces initially retreated but later received reinforcements and regained control of the area.
There were no reports of injuries from the clash, which occurred while Ugandan forces were in Juba, the capital of South Sudan, providing protection for the government of President Salva Kiir following unrest in Upper Nile State.
Reports indicated that the border clashes forced civilians to flee their homes, with many seeking refuge in Liulu Payam, Sokari Boma, schools, and the payam headquarters.
The spokesperson for the South Sudanese People’s Defense Forces, General Lul Ruai Koang, confirmed that he was informed of a clash at one of the border crossings but stated that the area commander was still assessing the situation due to poor mobile network coverage.
Moul noted that the fighting followed a warning from the resident commissioner of Yumbe District in Uganda, demanding the withdrawal of South Sudanese People’s Defense Forces from disputed areas, including Nandigo, Biur, and Gorbeling.
Moul said, “Last week, the chairperson of the local council for Yumbe District in Uganda contacted me, demanding the withdrawal of my forces from Nandigo, Biur, and Gorbeling. He threatened me with an attack if I did not withdraw, claiming that these areas belonged to Uganda.”
He added, “These areas have belonged to us for generations; we were born here. I responded that we cannot withdraw our forces from our land, as these areas, to my knowledge, existed before I was born.”
He mentioned that Ugandan forces, equipped with heavy weapons, attacked a base belonging to the South Sudanese People’s Defense Forces, leading to clashes that continued into the evening.
He explained, “He moved his forces, well-equipped with heavy artillery, and attacked our base, and the clashes continued. When they burned the base, our forces tactically withdrew. After reinforcements arrived, the Ugandan forces were repelled.”
He stated that people were displaced to various areas, but most settled in Sokari Boma, where the Liulu Diocese is located. Moul added, “They are now staying around schools within the diocese, and more people are still arriving as tensions remain high and they lack food.”
