Fresh gunfire along border rekindles tensions between Uganda and South Sudan
The alleged incident occurred on the afternoon of July 28 in Nyainga-Muda, a settlement in Kangapo II Payam of Kajo-Keji County, Central Equatoria State.
The Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) have been accused of launching a cross-border assault into South Sudan, raising fresh concerns about regional cooperation and renewed efforts to ease border tensions.
The alleged incident occurred on the afternoon of July 28 in Nyainga-Muda, a settlement in Kangapo II Payam of Kajo-Keji County, Central Equatoria State.
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It reportedly involved an armed confrontation between suspected Ugandan troops and a South Sudanese joint security unit.
"The office of the commissioner of Kajo-Keji County informs the public that, today, 28th July 2025, at approximately 3:00 pm, an incident involving reported armed engagement occurred in the Nyainga-Muda area of Bori Boma, Kangapo II Payam," read a statement issued by Isaac Wori, the press secretary in the commissioner's office.
Targeted local outpost
Initial reports from South Sudanese officials allege that UPDF forces targeted a local outpost responsible for border surveillance.
The attack forced the cancellation of a cross-border peace dialogue that had been organised by Hajji Sulaiman Bukya Lubwama, the Resident Commissioner of Uganda’s Yumbe District.
"Preliminary reports from the ground indicate that forces from the Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF) attacked our local detachment of a joint operation in the area, derailing the planned cross-border meeting at Fitinambaya village/Nyainga-Muda.
Gunfire continued to be heard in the area at the time this statement was released," Wori noted.
The Commissioner's Office stated it is working with security forces to establish the full circumstances surrounding the reported clash.
"We are actively coordinating with the security authorities on the ground to verify the full circumstances surrounding this development," Wori said.
Details on casualties or damage remain unknown.
Authorities have warned the public to avoid the area until the situation is clarified.
No information on casualties
"Given the fluidity of the situation, verified information on casualties is not yet available. The public is urged to remain calm, steer clear of the affected area, and await further official updates," the statement concluded.
As of now, Kampala has not released an official response.
The timing of the alleged incident is particularly delicate, coming as Uganda and South Sudan have been working to strengthen bilateral relations and reduce recurring tensions over border demarcation and military activity in disputed areas.
Although past confrontations have led to diplomatic complaints, both countries have consistently expressed a commitment to resolving disputes through dialogue.
However, such armed encounters risk destabilising the fragile trust built through cross-border cooperation.
Kampala has previously faced accusations of providing open support to President Salva Kiir’s government in Juba—an issue that remains a point of unease among regional analysts, particularly given South Sudan’s complex political climate.
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