At least six soldiers have been killed following a violent exchange of gunfire between Ugandan and South Sudanese troops along their disputed border, the Ugandan military has confirmed. The deadly incident, which took place in Uganda’s remote West Nile region, is the latest flare-up in long-standing tensions between the two East African neighbors over border demarcation.
According to the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), the confrontation began when armed South Sudanese soldiers crossed into Ugandan territory and allegedly refused to retreat when confronted. This incursion triggered a firefight that led to multiple casualties on both sides.
Maj. Gen. Felix Kulayigye, spokesperson for the Ugandan army, said the Ugandan side lost one soldier during the initial attack. In retaliation, UPDF troops responded with force, killing three South Sudanese soldiers. However, South Sudanese military officials have presented a different version of events, claiming that five of their soldiers were killed in what they described as an unexpected assault by Ugandan forces.
“This was a breach of our sovereignty. We had no choice but to defend our land and our personnel,” said Maj. Gen. Kulayigye during a press briefing. He emphasized that the UPDF had acted in self-defense after diplomatic channels failed to resolve the standoff at the scene.
South Sudan, meanwhile, accused Uganda of launching a surprise attack. “Our troops were in a known and frequently patrolled area. What happened was a misunderstanding that escalated too quickly,” a senior South Sudanese military source stated, adding that the situation should have been resolved peacefully through bilateral engagement.
The clash has brought renewed attention to the fragile and poorly demarcated border that separates the two countries. Uganda and South Sudan have a long history of minor border skirmishes, particularly in areas where natural resources, such as farmland and water, are located. The porous boundary—characterized by dense forests and vast rural terrain—has frequently been a source of friction, particularly among local communities who live along the divide.
Efforts to resolve the border issue have been ongoing for years. A joint demarcation committee was set up by both governments and tasked with finalizing the border by 2027. However, progress has been slow due to political instability in South Sudan, logistical challenges, and overlapping territorial claims. The latest confrontation threatens to undermine that progress and further strain diplomatic relations between Kampala and Juba.
In response to the incident, both nations’ military leaders have moved swiftly to de-escalate the situation. Uganda’s UPDF and South Sudan’s People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) have agreed to a ceasefire and have launched a joint investigation into the deadly encounter. Officials from both countries are expected to meet in the coming days to review the border security arrangements and prevent future escalations.
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has reportedly been briefed on the incident and is monitoring developments closely. South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has also called for calm and urged both sides to uphold existing peace and security frameworks. Diplomatic sources suggest that the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) may be called upon to assist with mediating the situation.
Although Uganda and South Sudan generally maintain friendly diplomatic and economic relations, the skirmish has raised fears of a potential breakdown in military cooperation and border surveillance activities. Security analysts warn that if left unresolved, such incidents could set a dangerous precedent and trigger further violence among border communities.
“This isn’t just a military issue—it affects civilians who live, farm, and trade across that border. Every clash endangers their lives and livelihoods,” said regional security analyst Dr. Kenneth Wekesa. “It is imperative that both governments fast-track the demarcation process and set up permanent joint patrols to ensure stability.”
In the affected West Nile region, local authorities have stepped up security and urged residents to remain calm. Reports indicate that some civilians have fled the area out of fear of reprisal attacks or further clashes, though both militaries have insisted that the situation is under control.
Uganda’s government has also emphasized its commitment to resolving the matter diplomatically. “We do not seek war with our neighbors,” Maj. Gen. Kulayigye stated. “However, we will defend our sovereignty and territorial integrity at all times.”
Meanwhile, human rights groups are calling for transparency in the investigation and for compensation to be considered for affected families. “Loss of life should not be brushed aside in the name of diplomacy,” said a representative from the Uganda Human Rights Commission. “We expect the findings of the investigation to be made public and for steps to be taken to prevent such incidents in the future.”
As both nations begin the delicate process of de-escalation, regional observers will be watching closely to see whether this incident serves as a wake-up call for accelerated action on the border dispute—or whether it will simply be another chapter in a long-standing territorial saga.
For now, the guns have fallen silent, but the road to lasting peace and clarity along the Uganda-South Sudan border remains long and fraught with challenges.
