Joint Investigation to Probe Border Clashes

(YUMBE) – Deadly fighting broke out earlier this week between the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) in Uganda’s Yumbe District, leading to the deaths of at least seven people, including five South Sudanese soldiers, one Ugandan soldier and one civilian. The incident has reignited tensions along the Uganda–South Sudan border and displaced around 200 people from the affected villages.

The clashes occurred in the villages of Fitina Mbaya and Goboro after SSPDF soldiers reportedly crossed about 200 metres into Ugandan territory and established a military position in Fitina Mbaya village, Muduchaku Parish, Kochi Sub-county. Local authorities say the SSPDF troops had been present in the area for approximately three weeks prior to the fighting, during which time they reportedly occupied farmland, consumed livestock, and caused local residents to flee.

According to Captain David Kamya, the UPDF 4th Division spokesperson, attempts were made by the UPDF to resolve the incursion through negotiation. However, the South Sudanese forces allegedly opened fire during the talks, resulting in the death of a UPDF soldier and injuries to two others. The UPDF responded with force, leading to the death of three SSPDF soldiers and the recovery of military equipment. Two other South Sudanese bodies were later recovered from nearby forest areas by South Sudanese officials.

Local leaders have expressed alarm at the escalation. Mr Daudi Swaliki, the Local Council chairperson for Fitina Mbaya, said the incursion began on 15 July when armed South Sudanese soldiers entered the village and began constructing shelters. He said this prompted many villagers to flee due to fear and insecurity. Some of the soldiers claimed that Goboro and Fitina Mbaya belong to South Sudan.

Mr Swaliki reported that a civilian, identified as Mawa David, was killed while trying to collect belongings from his home. He had earlier taken refuge at Goboro Centre due to insecurity. In addition, he claimed that seven people — three men, a woman and three children — were abducted by the South Sudanese soldiers. While the woman and children later returned, the three men remain missing.

The Resident District Commissioner for Yumbe, Hajji Sulaiman Lubwama Bukya, confirmed the abductions and reported that five houses in Milia village were also burnt during the skirmishes. He stated that Ugandan authorities were coordinating with their South Sudanese counterparts to de-escalate the situation and a joint security meeting was being planned.

Ms Harriet Agasiru, a resident of the area, said the continued clashes have left many people displaced and in fear. While some have taken shelter with relatives, others are sleeping outside without shelter.

Due to the instability, Goboro Primary School has been temporarily closed. The head teacher, Mr Alex Asega, said that learners had been told to stay home for their safety. He added that reopening would depend on the situation improving and further communication from security forces.

This recent flare-up highlights the ongoing tension along the Uganda–South Sudan border. In 2020, a similar clash in Maru Village, also in Yumbe District, resulted in the deaths of four South Sudanese soldiers.

Responding to the current incident, SSPDF spokesperson Major General Lul Ruai Koang confirmed that they have contacted Ugandan authorities and called for a ceasefire. He said both sides would form a joint investigation committee to determine how the fighting began.

Border tensions have persisted for over a decade despite several attempts to resolve them through bilateral and regional mechanisms. A Joint Technical Border Committee was established more than five years ago to address such incidents, particularly in Uganda’s Moyo, Yumbe and Koboko districts. In 2014, former Inspectors General of Police from both countries launched joint patrols under a security agreement signed in Arua City. However, these arrangements have often failed due to recurring insecurity and lack of coordination.