The high-level meeting in Juba followed last week’s armed clash between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) in Nyainga-Muda, Kangapo II Payam, which left eight people dead and forced thousands to flee their homes.
According to the Kajo-Keji County Commissioner, at least 2,934 households—totalling around 16,304 people—have been affected. Displaced residents are in urgent need of food, shelter, non-food items, medical assistance, and clean drinking water.
Governor Mujung called for coordinated humanitarian support and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to working with partners to address the growing needs on the ground. He also commended the ICRC for its ongoing interventions in the region.
Following the meeting, Gillette told reporters that discussions focused on both the current humanitarian situation and coordination efforts to improve the response.
“We discussed two issues with the Governor: the current humanitarian needs in Kajo-Keji and the coordination required to respond effectively,” she said. Gillette also highlighted an upcoming handover of a major ICRC water project in Gumbo, which supplies safe drinking water to over 100,000 residents.
Rose Lisok, Chairperson of the State Relief and Rehabilitation Commission, described the situation in Kajo-Keji as dire, particularly for women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities. While appreciating the ICRC’s support, she urged other humanitarian agencies to step in and address remaining unmet needs.
Meanwhile, SSPDF spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai said South Sudan’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Santino Deng Wol, and Uganda’s Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba had agreed to a ceasefire and the formation of a joint investigative committee to probe the border incident and prevent future hostilities.
Despite the agreement, the office of the Kajo-Keji County Commissioner raised alarm over continued UPDF deployments in four areas along the border, saying it undermines efforts to ease tensions.
“The Office of the Kajo-Keji County Commissioner Hon. Wani Jackson Mule alerts the public and relevant stakeholders of continued and concerning deployments of Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) across four border areas within Kajo-Keji County,” the statement read in part.
The situation remains tense, with both humanitarian and diplomatic efforts underway to assist affected communities and defuse cross-border friction.
