Uganda Claims South Sudanese Troops Occupied Border Village Inside Its Territory

(YUMBE) – Uganda has accused South Sudan’s army of illegally crossing into its territory and establishing a military base in Fitina Mbaya village in Yumbe District, triggering a deadly confrontation that left five soldiers dead on 28 July 2025.

The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) claim the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) had occupied the village, located roughly two kilometres inside Uganda’s border, for over three weeks before the clash.

According to the UPDF, the presence of South Sudanese soldiers in Fitina Mbaya disrupted local life, with allegations of food theft, displacement of families and the raiding of gardens.

Ugandan officials said the SSPDF had refused repeated calls to vacate the area peacefully. On 15 July, SSPDF troops reportedly began setting up a detachment in the disputed village.

The UPDF stated that efforts to defuse tensions diplomatically failed. On 28 July, when UPDF troops approached the SSPDF to initiate dialogue, a South Sudanese soldier allegedly opened fire, killing a Ugandan soldier instantly and injuring two others. In response, UPDF launched a counterattack, which reportedly led to the deaths of three South Sudanese soldiers and the seizure of military equipment.

Captain David Kamya, public information officer for Uganda’s Fourth Infantry Division, said the skirmish began when the UPDF attempted to persuade the SSPDF to return to their base.

“We responded to their fire and put three South Sudanese soldiers out of action. We captured their equipment, forcing them to withdraw back to their territory,” he said.

By midday on 29 July, local leaders in Kochi Sub-County reported further tensions, with claims that South Sudanese troops had advanced into nearby Milia village and allegedly burned five houses. The LC3 chairperson for Kochi, Toah Mafu, said residents are now living in fear.

“The South Sudan soldiers told us these villages are inside their territory and asked Ugandans to leave,” Mafu claimed.

The Fitina Mbaya area has previously experienced similar incidents. In 2020, four South Sudanese government soldiers were killed after a reported incursion into the same village, during which South Sudanese troops allegedly looted homes, took livestock and money from civilians, and threatened further attacks if locals did not vacate.

That 2020 clash led to a joint field visit by military officials from both countries. South Sudan’s delegation was led by Brigadier General Thik Bol Giir, while Uganda was represented by then West Nile Brigade Commander Major David Opeera. Both sides agreed to improve communication, control their forces, and investigate future complaints from civilians in border areas.

At the time, South Sudan pledged to stop its soldiers from crossing into Ugandan territory and to return property and money allegedly taken from Ugandan citizens in Yumbe District. Despite these assurances, the recent incident appears to have reopened old wounds.

The UPDF said they remain committed to protecting Uganda’s sovereignty and the safety of its citizens. The South Sudan government has  issued a public statement responding to the latest claims from Kampala.

Key reported incidents in Fitina Mbaya