A deadly border skirmish between Ugandan and South Sudanese forces has left at least six soldiers dead, reigniting long-standing tensions over territorial boundaries. Uganda’s military confirmed that the clash broke out on Monday in the West Nile region, after South Sudanese troops allegedly crossed into Ugandan territory and refused to withdraw. Uganda’s army spokesperson, Maj. Gen. Felix Kulayigye, said the Ugandan side acted in “measured self-defense” after one of its soldiers was killed during the incursion. He added that three South Sudanese soldiers died in the ensuing exchange of fire. However, a senior South Sudanese military official, speaking anonymously, accused Uganda of launching a “surprise attack,” and claimed five South Sudanese troops were killed.
The exact death toll remains disputed, but both governments have since agreed to an immediate ceasefire and have committed to a joint investigation into the incident. The clash took place near the disputed areas around Moyo and Kajo-Keji counties, a region along the porous Uganda–South Sudan border that has seen several minor incidents in the past. Both countries are currently working with a bilateral border demarcation committee, which aims to reach a formal resolution by 2027.
Despite the long history of cooperation between Uganda and South Sudan, particularly in trade and regional security, tensions over unclear borderlines occasionally flare up. Local communities often report confusion over land ownership, farming rights, and cross-border grazing, complicating the situation further. Security analysts say that while Monday’s clash is unlikely to lead to broader conflict, it underscores the fragile nature of borders in the region and the urgency of completing the demarcation process. A joint statement released late Tuesday by both militaries emphasized the importance of dialogue, urging residents along the border to remain calm and continue normal activities.
