Various leaders have condemned the recent crossfire in Kajo-Keji, Central Equatoria State that claimed the lives of soldiers, with most calling for dialogue and peaceful resolution of tension between the longstanding allies

By The City Review Editorial

Various leaders have condemned the recent crossfire in Kajo-Keji, Central Equatoria State that claimed the lives of soldiers. Central Equatoria State Governor, Rabi Mujung Emmanuel, issued a strong statement condemning the tragic incident in Kajo-Keji County, which involved the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).

The unprovoked attack claimed the lives of several brave South Sudanese soldiers and displaced civilians.

“It is with profound sorrow that I extend heartfelt condolences to the families, comrades, and loved ones of the brave South Sudanese soldiers who lost their lives on 28th July, 2025, in the unprovoked, tragic incident involving the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF),” Governor Mujung said.

The incident, which has sparked widespread concerns and sadness, also resulted in grave humanitarian consequences. Many civilians in Kajo-Keji County were displaced, lost property, or found themselves without food, shelter, and other basic needs.

The Governor expressed deep sympathy to those affected, promising swift action and support.

“The State government do hereby extend its heartfelt and deep sympathy to the civilians in Kajo-Keji County who were gravely affected—those displaced, who lost property, and are now struggling without shelter, food, or other essentials. The State Government, in coordination with partners, is working to deliver urgent assistance and support to affected families,” the Governor continued.

He further stressed that such a tragic event should never have occurred, especially given the longstanding diplomatic and administrative cooperation between South Sudan and Uganda. “This incident is regrettable and should not have occurred, especially considering that South Sudan and Uganda have already established mechanisms for joint border delimitation and demarcation in 2014.”

In light of the incident, the Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting citizens, restoring peace, and working in collaboration with the national government to prevent future occurrences and resolve the matter peacefully.

“The Government and people of Central Equatoria State reaffirm our commitment to protect all citizens, restore calm, and pursue peaceful solutions. The State government is working in close coordination with the National authorities in handling this issue. We remain firm in safeguarding the dignity and wellbeing of every resident of our State,” he assured.

The Governor concluded with a prayer, offering comfort to the families of the fallen and those who continue to suffer as a result of the violence. “May Almighty God comfort the bereaved, heal the displaced, and grant eternal rest to our fallen heroes.”

While condemning the incident, South Sudanese lawmakers and activities accused Uganda of violating the country’s sovereignty.

A lawmaker from the Kajo-Keji Parliamentary Caucus, Milla Amos Peter, said there is need to engage in dialogue, and prevent revenge attacks/

Civil rights activist, Edmund Yakani, on his part, warned against engaging in military confrontations in the borders, as this would result to civilian casualties. He urged both governments to prioritise civilian safety.

For Ter Manyang Gatwech, the Executive Director of Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA), a civil society organization, the recent incident is troubling. He said there is need for the government to capacitate and upgrade the national army to affirm territorial integrity and security.

Anatomy of the border clash

On Monday, Kajo Keji County Government accused the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) over armed clashes in Nyainga-Muda, Kangapo II Payam of Kajo-Keji County Central Equatoria state.

According to a statement released by Isaac Wori, the press secretary in the office of the County commissioner, forces from the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) attacked our local detach of a Joint Operation in the area, collapsing Hajji Sulaiman Bukya Lubwama- Yumbe District Resident Commissioner official invitation for a Cross Border Meeting between the local leaders at Fitinambaya Village/ Nyainga-Muda.

At least six soldiers were killed in the clashes, with South Sudan losing five and Uganda losing one soldier.

Ugandan army spokesperson Felix Kulayigye alleged that SSPDF soldiers had strayed into Uganda’s West Nile region and refused to leave, pitting the two longstanding allies into a firefight.

Joint military cooperation

In a bid to restore order and quell the border tension, SSPDF army spokesperson Maj. Gen Lul Ruai Koang, said the army chiefs from the two countries had ordered for immediate cessation of all forms of hostilities, agreed to form a joint investigation committee to ascertain the circumstances the armed confrontations happened and to establish a Joint Technical Border Committee that will continue with their work to find a peaceful resolution to the recurrent border related disputes.