Written by: Badr Ahmed

The border region between Uganda and South Sudan witnessed military escalation Following clashes between the forces of the two countries in the Andigio border region of Kajo Keji province, amid an exchange of accusations regarding sovereignty over disputed territories, a number of civilians were displaced, but no casualties have been reported so far.

Kajo-Keji County Commissioner Jackson Mule said the clashes erupted after Ugandan defense forces crossed the border and attacked positions held by the South Sudanese People's Defense Forces in the village of Nandigo. He added that the Ugandan forces demanded their South Sudanese counterparts leave the area, claiming it was within Ugandan territory.

Exchange of fire between Ugandan and South Sudanese forces

Mul explained that the South Sudanese forces initially withdrew to avoid escalation, before receiving military reinforcements that enabled them to regain control of the area. He noted that the Ugandan forces used heavy weapons and artillery during the attack, resulting in the burning of one of the South Sudanese military bases, before the attacking forces withdrew upon the arrival of reinforcements.

The local official confirmed that the current tensions arose after he received a letter from officials in Uganda's Yumbe region demanding the withdrawal of South Sudanese forces from the Nandigo, Bior, and Gorbiling areas, threatening an attack if they did not comply. Mule emphasized that these areas have belonged to South Sudan for decades and refused to withdraw from them.

In contrast, the spokesman for the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces, Major General Lul Ruai Koang, said that he had received initial reports of clashes at one of the border crossings, explaining that the military leadership was still working to assess the situation in light of the weak communications networks in the area.

The clashes forced dozens of families to flee their homes and seek refuge in safer areas, including Lyulo Payam and Sukari Boma, where displaced people took shelter in schools and public facilities. Local authorities confirmed that the number of arrivals at shelters continues to rise, amid shortages of food and basic services and ongoing security tensions.

These developments come at a time when Ugandan forces are deployed inside the capital, Juba, to provide security support to President Salva Kiir’s government, following the unrest in Upper Nile State, raising concerns that continued border tensions could complicate relations between the two countries and worsen the humanitarian situation in border areas.