[PRESS RELEASE] – Kajo-Keji Diocese Appeals for Urgent Aid for Nearly 8,000 Displaced

(KAJO-KEJI COUNTY) – The Episcopal Diocese of Kajo-Keji has issued an urgent appeal for humanitarian assistance following violent clashes between the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) and the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) in Bori Boma, Kangapo II Payam.

The confrontation which occurred on the afternoon of 28 July 2025 has displaced 7,915 individuals and caused multiple casualties on both sides.

According to a letter signed by Rt. Rev. Dr Lule James Kenyi, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Kajo-Keji, the incident has left civilians sheltering in makeshift conditions under trees, in churches, schools, and health facilities across several locations in Bori, including Lu’bule, Wotakujong, Sunyu, Kimu, Godo, and Sokare.

The displaced communities are in urgent need of food, non-food items, medical support, cooking utensils, children’s clothing, sanitary pads for young women, and mental health and psychosocial support services. Many are reported to be living in fear due to widespread rumours and misinformation circulating in the aftermath of the clashes.

The Episcopal Diocese has called on all humanitarian agencies, development partners, and individuals of goodwill to urgently respond to the growing needs of the displaced. The Church is also urging the warring parties to seek peaceful dialogue, protect civilians, and adhere to international humanitarian law.

Bishop Kenyi questioned the impact of recurring conflict, asking, “What do we gain from killing each other and destroying our long relationship?”

The Bishop also encouraged the communities of Kajo-Keji County, the wider Central Equatoria State, and neighbouring regions in Uganda’s West Nile to embrace peace and prioritise non violent ways of addressing grievances.

The Diocese reported the following statistics as of 29 July 2025: