Clashes erupted this week along the tense border between Uganda and South Sudan, leaving at least four soldiers dead and displacing thousands of civilians.
The rare outbreak of heavy fighting began Monday afternoon in a disputed area near West Nile, where both nations claim sovereignty. Ugandan officials say South Sudanese troops crossed into their territory and refused to withdraw, forcing Uganda to respond with force.
South Sudanese authorities, however, accuse Ugandan forces of launching a surprise attack on their soil in Kajo-Keji County. The violent exchange involved tanks and artillery, an unusual escalation in a border dispute that dates back to British colonial-era demarcations.
Both countries have long struggled to agree on precise borders despite setting up joint committees to resolve the issue. Tensions flared again as South Sudan faces internal conflict between government forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and rebel groups supported by former deputy Riek Machar.
Uganda has been a key ally to Kiir, deploying troops to support his government amid fears of renewed civil war. This latest confrontation strains the alliance and raises concerns about Uganda’s military role in South Sudan’s sovereignty.
Local residents fled their homes in panic, with children lost amid the chaos and community leaders counting multiple casualties. Following the clashes, both sides pledged to form a new joint committee to investigate and prevent further border incidents.
Meanwhile, accusations fly of Uganda violating UN arms embargoes by supplying weapons to South Sudan’s government forces. Amid complex ethnic and political tensions, the fragile peace between Uganda and South Sudan now faces its sternest test in years.
