Author: Lasuba Memo | Published: 4 minutes ago
Previous clashes displaced thousands of civilians|Profile
Kajo-Keji County Commissioner Wani Jackson Mule has accused the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) of crossing into South Sudan territory and attacking a South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) base along the border.
Mule said the clashes occurred on Tuesday evening in the border area, forcing residents to flee their homes and seek shelter in nearby locations.
“Kajo-Keji County is calm, only there is that problem along the border. The UPDF crossed yesterday to our side and attacked our base. They fought seriously,” Mule said.
He alleged that UPDF soldiers had warned South Sudanese forces to leave the area, claiming that the territory belonged to Uganda.
“The problem started a few days ago when they warned us to leave the area, claiming the area belongs to Uganda,” he said.
According to the commissioner, the fighting took place between 4pm and 5pm, with UPDF forces advancing from Yumbe in Uganda toward the border area.
“They (UPDF) were in Yumbe. I have my forces on the ground and I have been communicating with them every now and then,” Mule said.
He claimed the UPDF initially pushed SSPDF forces from their position in Andejio before South Sudanese forces received reinforcement and regained control.
“They tried to push the SSPDF, but later the SSPDF reinforced themselves and managed to push them out from Andejio. It is too early to know yet,” he said.
Mule said the clashes had displaced a number of civilians, with some residents moving to areas in Liwolo Payam and others seeking refuge at Sokare Boma.
“A number of people have been displaced. Some of them moved from the area to parts of Liwolo Payam. But the area with many displaced people who moved last night and even this morning is Sokare Boma,” he said.
He added that some displaced families are currently sheltering at the payam headquarters and schools.
The claims by the county commissioner could not immediately be independently verified. There has been no official statement from the Ugandan authorities or the UPDF regarding the reported clashes.
When contacted by Eye Radio, the SSPDF spokesperson said he had been informed by an area commander about an attack on a post along the border.
He said the commander was planning to visit the area to assess the situation, adding that there was no mobile network coverage in the location.
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