The incident, which occurred on Monday and marked the second deadly incursion by Ugandan forces into South Sudanese territory in recent years, comes as South Sudan commemorates Martyrs Day, a day to remember and honour the sacrifices made by those who fought for the nation’s independence.
In a statement issued by the Office of the Commissioner, the County Commissioner and Chair of the County Security Committee, Wani Jackson Mule, condemned the attack and called for restraint from the public.
“We are urging our people to remain calm. Efforts are underway at the local, state, and national levels to resolve the matter diplomatically,” Mule said while addressing mourners at Mundari Civil Hospital during the reception of the bodies on Tuesday.
The fallen include two officers from the South Sudan People’s Defence Force (SSPDF), two prison officers, and one police officer, according to Col. Nathaniel Mawa, the County Police Inspector.
Brig. Gen. Henry Buri, Kajo-Keji County Army Area Commander, said the UPDF launched a surprise assault with heavy weaponry, including tanks and artillery, targeting a detachment of 19 joint operation forces stationed to protect civilians from attacks by holdout groups. “Our national security institutions were immediately alerted, and calm has since been restored,” he added.
As emotions heighten, County Security Coordinator Godfrey Data Rembe urged the community to avoid retaliation, noting that the issue is being reviewed by both the governments of South Sudan and Uganda. “Let’s remain united and trust the process. Our leadership is handling the matter,” he said.
The recovery of the soldiers’ remains was led by Rev. Dr. James Lule Kenyi of the Episcopal Diocese of Kajo-Keji, in collaboration with the First Baptist Church and the South Sudan Red Cross. He described the incident as a national tragedy, stating, “These men died protecting our sovereignty. They are patriots, and we honour their sacrifice.”
A joint assessment team, headed by the County Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC) and supported by humanitarian partners, is being deployed to the affected area to evaluate the extent of damage and possible displacement.
On Monday, Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai, the Spokesperson of SSPDF, said the SSPDF Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Dau Aturjong Nyuol, contacted his Ugandan counterpart in response to the attack.
As a result, Lul said, the duo agreed on immediate cessation of all forms of hostilities and formation of a joint investigation committee to ascertain the circumstances under which the armed confrontations erupted, while the Joint Technical Border Committee will continue with its mandate aimed at finding peaceful resolutions on recurrent border-related disputes.
This is not the first time Ugandan forces have been accused of crossing into South Sudanese territory. In June 2020, a similar attack in the same area claimed the lives of three SSPDF soldiers and a police officer, bringing the death toll from such incidents to nine.
The latest attack underscores the fragile security dynamics along the South Sudan-Uganda border and raises concerns over recurring violations of South Sudanese territorial integrity.
