Kajo-Keji County Hands Over Civilians Mistaken for Rebels to Uganda

(KAJO-KEJI) – Authorities in Kajo-Keji County of Central Equatoria State handed over two Ugandan nationals to their counterparts in Moyo District, Uganda, on Thursday, 3 July 2025.

The exchange is part of an ongoing cross border cooperation between South Sudan and Uganda aimed at enhancing regional security and addressing concerns over suspected criminal activity.

According to Kajo-Keji County Commissioner Wani Jackson Mule, the two individuals, whose names were not revealed, were suspected of either being members of Ugandan rebel groups or serving as informants linked to the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army-In Opposition (SPLM/A-IO).

These suspicions arose following their capture by the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) in the Ajio and Birigo areas during a security operation conducted after clashes between SSPDF and SPLM/A-IO in Panyume Payam, Morobo County, in late March this year.

Commissioner Mule stated that the transfer of the suspects was in response to a similar handover by Uganda’s authorities. The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) had recently arrested a South Sudanese individual suspected of criminal activity in Obongi District and handed the suspect over to Kajo-Keji County officials.

Brigadier General Henry Buri, the SSPDF Army Area Commander, confirmed that the security situation in the county remains largely stable and free of active rebel groups. He acknowledged that petty crimes, mostly involving youth, still occur but praised the value of bilateral efforts in maintaining border peace.

Major Logoda, Acting Inspector of Police in Kajo-Keji, clarified that the two Ugandan individuals had been taken into custody by the SSPDF’s Second Brigade during the clashes in Panyume.

After investigation, it was determined that both individuals were civilians, with one possibly suffering from a mental health condition. Neither had committed any crime within South Sudanese territory, he said.

The Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Moyo, Gore Goffin, welcomed the peaceful and respectful handover. He thanked South Sudanese authorities for their cooperation and stressed the importance of such actions in strengthening regional trust and collaboration.

The RDC also reported a general reduction in cross border crimes but noted that illegal crossings still occur, particularly involving unregistered refugees. He called for increased joint strategies to effectively respond to such challenges and to protect civilians on both sides of the border.

The handover ceremony took place in Kajo-Keji and was attended by senior officials from both countries, including the Moyo RDC, Deputy Regional Police Commander, liaison officers, Kajo-Keji County Commissioner, security chiefs and the South Sudan–Uganda military attaché.