Commissioner Reports New Ugandan Army Deployments in Kajo-Keji Forests

(KAJO-KEJI COUNTY) – Kajo-Keji County Commissioner Jackson Wani Mule has accused Ugandan troops of continuing to cross into South Sudan despite ongoing diplomatic discussions between Juba and Kampala over the border dispute.

According to Wani, units of the Ugandan People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) have been moving into forested areas of Kajo-Keji County, where South Sudan’s army maintains limited presence. He said the incursions were escalating at a time when local authorities lacked the means to respond effectively.

He added that communication with his Ugandan counterpart in Yumbe District had collapsed, leaving county officials unable to manage the growing tensions.

“The Ugandans are still there, deploying to new areas,” Wani told Radio Miraya.

He warned that delays in negotiations would encourage more encroachment and increase the risk of displacement of communities living along the border.

In earlier announcements, Juba and Kampala agreed to form a joint military committee to address the border concerns. However, the committee has not yet started its work, raising concerns among local residents that the situation may worsen if no urgent steps are taken.

Community leaders and humanitarian workers in Central Equatoria have also raised fears that further incursions could drive more families from their homes at a time when thousands are already displaced in Kajo-Keji County.

The border tensions come only weeks after clashes in July forced large-scale displacement in the same county.