South Sudan confirms deadly border clash with Ugandan forces
South Sudan has confirmed a deadly exchange of gunfire between its forces and the Ugandan army along their shared border in Central Equatoria State, raising fresh concerns over the fragile security situation in the area.
In a statement released Tuesday, South Sudan People's Defence Forces (SSPDF) spokesperson Maj Gen Lul Ruai Koang said troops from both countries clashed on Monday afternoon, in different regions of the aforementioned state.
The clashes came months after Uganda announced the deployment of special forces to South Sudan in March to support President Salva Kiir's government. However, the exact mandate and positioning of Ugandan troops near the volatile border areas have drawn increasing scrutiny in recent months.
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"On Monday, July 28, 2025, at 4:25 pm, elements from the armies of two sisterly Republics of South Sudan and Uganda exchanged fire at Nyainga-Muda, Bori Boma, Kangapo Two Payam, Kajo Keji County, of Central Equatorial State," the statement, seen by The Eastleigh Voice, read in part.
The government spokesperson, similarly, reported casualties on both sides but did not disclose specific numbers or what prompted the clashes.
"The exchanges resulted in both sides taking casualties," he said.
Following the incident, South Sudan's Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Dau Aturjong Nyuol, spoke with his Ugandan counterpart, leading to an agreement on several de-escalation measures, including an immediate ceasefire.
The two military leaders also agreed on the formation of a joint investigation committee to establish the cause of the confrontation.
"The duo agreed on taking the following steps aimed at stopping further clashes: Immediate cessation of all forms of hostilities, formation of a joint investigation committee to ascertain the circumstances under which the armed confrontation erupted," it added.
"And finally, the established Joint Technical Border Committee will continue their work aimed at finishing peaceful resolutions on recurrent border-related disputes."
The Ugandan government has yet to comment on the incident.
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