Central Equatoria Governor Chairs Emergency Security Meeting on Kajo-Keji Border Clashes

(JUBA) – The Central Equatoria State government has responded to reports of a “possible incursion” by Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) into Kajo-Keji County, urging local residents to remain calm as investigations continue.

The State Security Committee, led by Governor Lt. Gen. Rabi Mujung Emmanuel, convened its weekly meeting on Monday, 28 July 2025, where the issue was addressed as a matter of urgent concern.

The meeting brought together key state security officials and ministers to assess the situation and strategise an appropriate response.

Following the closed door discussions, Acting State Minister of Information and Communication, Hon. Jacob Aligo Lo-Lado, told journalists that the government is coordinating closely with national security and defence institutions to clarify the facts surrounding the reported movement of Ugandan troops across the border into South Sudanese territory.

“We are treating this matter with seriousness and urgency. The government is in communication with the national authorities to determine the full scope of the incident and respond accordingly,” said Hon. Aligo.

While he did not provide further operational details, Hon. Aligo reassured the public that Central Equatoria is handling the situation through official diplomatic and security channels. He urged residents, particularly those in Kajo-Keji County, to avoid panic and wait for verified updates from government sources.

“We ask our people to remain calm. The state is actively engaged in assessing the situation and will continue to update the public once the investigation provides conclusive information,” he said.

The Central Equatoria State government is also monitoring general security conditions across the region. According to Hon. Aligo, while relative calm has been maintained in most counties, concerns remain in Yei River and Morobo counties, where activities by armed groups that have not signed peace agreements continue to threaten public safety and disrupt movement along major roads.

“These holdout armed groups are a danger to civilian life and freedom of movement, especially in Morobo and Yei,” he said. “We remain vigilant and will not allow these actors to destabilise the progress made in the peace process.”

In Juba and surrounding areas, the state has recorded a rise in criminal incidents over the past week, including three suicides, five gun related deaths and five injuries. The government has issued renewed calls for community vigilance and closer cooperation with security personnel to report criminal activity.

Separately, the State Security Committee also directed security forces to take immediate action against the illegal occupation of land in Jebel Lado Payam of Juba County. According to Hon. Aligo, land grabbing is undermining local governance and peaceful coexistence.

“Security agencies have been instructed to deal firmly with land grabbers, especially in areas such as Jebel Lado. This practice must stop,” he stressed.