At least four members of the South Sudanese security forces were reportedly killed in armed clashes with the Ugandan army near the contested border between the two nations. According to local officials, tensions have escalated recently due to longstanding disputes over border demarcations.
Major General Felix Kulayigye, a spokesperson for the Ugandan military, indicated that three South Sudanese soldiers were shot on Monday after Ugandan forces retaliated for the death of one of their own soldiers. However, local official Wani Jackson Mule reported receiving the bodies of five soldiers, highlighting discrepancies in the figures reported by each side.
Uganda has historically played a significant role in South Sudan’s military affairs and has provided support to President Salva Kiir, including a deployment of special forces since March of this year. South Sudan’s military spokesperson, Major General Lul Ruai Koang, confirmed that military leaders from both nations have agreed to an immediate ceasefire to investigate the recent border incident.
Local authorities have noted that Ugandan forces were armed with advanced weaponry, suggesting a significant military presence in the area. Reports indicate that there were casualties and injuries on both sides, and the exact cause of the hostilities on Monday remains unclear.
The clashes reportedly took place in a remote region of northwestern Uganda known as West Nile, where South Sudanese soldiers allegedly crossed the border, established camp, and refused to vacate the area. Kulayigye acknowledged the use of force but emphasized the complexity surrounding the incident.
Mule characterized the attack as a “surprise offensive” by Ugandan forces on territory that South Sudan asserts is within its borders, underscoring the contentious nature of the boundary between the two countries. The Uganda-South Sudan border has been a topic of dispute for years, prompting the establishment of a joint border demarcation committee, which aims to reach a resolution by 2027.
While sporadic border clashes have occurred in the past, open exchanges of fire between the two militaries—traditionally seen as allies—are relatively rare. Uganda’s involvement in South Sudan has deep roots, dating back to the civil war that erupted in 2013, following the country’s independence from Sudan just two years earlier.
In recent developments, Uganda deployed additional special forces in March, coinciding with a renewed conflict involving Kiir and his rival, Riek Machar, raising concerns about the fragile peace established by a power-sharing agreement in 2018. Despite the challenges, efforts are ongoing to stabilize the region and address operational concerns as military leaders focus on dialogue and strategic cooperation.
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