(KAJO-KEJI COUNTY) – A village chief from Kajo-Keji County who spent nearly ten months in detention in Uganda has been released and formally handed back to South Sudanese authorities.
Chief Mawa Joseph of Tululu Village in Ajio Boma was received on Thursday during a cross-border handover ceremony at the Afoji checkpoint. The event was attended by officials from Kajo-Keji County and Uganda’s Moyo and Yumbe districts.
The handover was presided over by the Executive Director and Acting Commissioner of Kajo-Keji County, Ryembe Benjamin.
Chief Mawa was arrested by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces on 19th December 2025 amid heightened tensions and disputes along the Kajo-Keji-Uganda border. His detention had raised concerns among local communities and prompted repeated calls from traditional leaders and county authorities for a diplomatic solution.
Access Radio Yei News reported that the handover followed a series of high-level security dialogues between local administrators and military liaisons representing Kajo-Keji, Moyo, and Yumbe.
Officials confirmed that the chief was handed over in stable physical condition after his prolonged detention.
Speaking during the handover, Ryembe Benjamin welcomed the chief’s release, describing it as a victory for dialogue and cooperation between neighbouring administrations.
“The return of Chief Mawa Joseph is a testament to the power of structured engagement between neighboring administrations. We must safeguard our border communities and ensure that traditional leaders are never made casualties of territorial uncertainty,” Ryembe said.
The Uganda Radio Network reported in October 2026 that the release followed diplomatic efforts between the two countries. The Aringa Kingdom in Yumbe District welcomed the development, with local leaders expressing hope that it would ease tensions along the frontier.
Officials from Kajo-Keji, Moyo and Yumbe also signed a joint commitment to strengthen dialogue, reactivate local border committees, prevent unlawful civilian arrests and promote peaceful coexistence among communities living along the frontier.
The border zone, particularly surrounding the bomas of Liwolo, Kangapo II and Kangapo I, has long seen friction involving land ownership and boundary demarcation disputes, civil displacement from military standoffs, and accusations of illegal cross-border incursions.
The UPDF reported in July 2026 that Uganda and South Sudan agreed to re-demarcate a disputed 6.12 kilometre border stretch between Yumbe District and Kajo-Keji County. The resolution was adopted during a high-level reconciliation meeting held on 25th July 2026 in Arua City, Uganda.
The meeting brought together government officials, security agencies, religious leaders, women and youth representatives, and community leaders from both countries. Delegates endorsed 20 key resolutions aimed at ending the long-running conflict between the Aringa and Kuku communities.
Among the resolutions were the organisation of a cultural and sports gala involving the Kuku and Aringa communities, enhanced joint intelligence operations, and improved communication mechanisms for timely reporting of cross-border incidents.
The Daily Monitor reported in December 2024 that Ryembe Benjamin had confirmed the border demarcation between Uganda and South Sudan was scheduled for 2027. A committee from South Sudan was formed to collaborate with a similar committee from Uganda.
In another development, the Kajo-Keji County administration also handed over a Ugandan national, Siriga Ameyi Yahiya, who had been arrested and detained at Mere Police headquarters following the border disputes.
The Uganda Radio Network identified the Ugandan national as Chiriga Ame, a resident of Midigo Sub County in Yumbe District. He was reportedly abducted by armed men from South Sudan and held in solitary confinement at Mere Trading Centre, north of Kajo-Keji.
His release was welcomed by the Aringa Kingdom, which described it as a positive outcome of ongoing diplomatic engagement between the two countries.
Authorities believe the release of both individuals will help ease tensions in disputed border areas and restore confidence among residents returning to farming and other livelihood activities.
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