Deadly Border Clash Erupts Between Ugandan and South Sudanese Troops, Six Killed
A recent armed confrontation between military forces from Uganda and South Sudan has resulted in at least six confirmed fatalities, with casualties reported on both sides. The clash, which occurred on Monday, July 28, 2025, in the disputed Fitina Mabaya area, underscores persistent tensions stemming from the countries' poorly demarcated shared boundary.
Details of the Incident:
Date and Location: The armed skirmish escalated on Monday, July 28, 2025, in the contested Fitina Mabaya area. This volatile zone is situated along the border between Uganda's Yumbe District (near Moyo) in its northwest and South Sudan's Kajo-Keji County (Central Equatoria State).
Conflicting Accounts of Events:
Ugandan Military (UPDF) Account: Major General Felix Kulayigye, spokesperson for the Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces, stated that South Sudanese troops (South Sudan People's Defense Forces - SSPDF) illegally crossed into Uganda's West Nile region and established a military detachment. He asserted that the clash began when Ugandan forces attempted to persuade the South Sudanese to withdraw peacefully but were met with gunfire. This engagement led to the death of one Ugandan soldier, prompting a retaliatory response from Ugandan forces that resulted in three South Sudanese soldiers being killed.
South Sudanese Officials' Account: Local authorities in South Sudan's Kajo-Keji County, including local army commander Henry Buri, accused Ugandan troops of launching a "surprise attack" supported by tanks and artillery on a border outpost near Pogee in Magwi County. They reported that five SSPDF soldiers were killed in this initial assault. Additionally, some reports from the South Sudanese side mention retaliatory incidents by South Sudanese youths crossing into Uganda, leading to five Ugandan fatalities, arson, allegations of rape, and cattle theft.
Overall Casualties: While initial reports varied, later revisions and confirmations indicate a minimum of six fatalities, potentially up to seven, including both soldiers and civilians. South Sudanese officials confirmed two of their soldiers died in the direct military confrontation, while Uganda reported five casualties among its civilians and security personnel. The clashes have also reportedly led to the displacement of thousands of residents from the affected border communities.
Root Causes and Historical Context:
Undemarcated Border: The fundamental reason for these recurring tensions is the long-standing and poorly defined border between Uganda and South Sudan. The current international boundary, largely inherited from colonial administrative lines, has numerous sections that remain ambiguously defined, leading to overlapping claims and disputes over territory.
Fitina Mabaya: A Persistent Flashpoint: The Fitina Mabaya area (also known as "Fitiina Mbaya") has consistently been a friction point. Ugandan authorities claim the SSPDF had illegally occupied this strategic area for approximately three weeks prior to the clash, establishing a military presence about 2 kilometers inside what Uganda considers its sovereign territory. Conversely, South Sudanese forces maintain that these villages are unequivocally within South Sudan and demand the withdrawal of Ugandan personnel.
Complex Relationship: Despite being historical allies, with Uganda having significantly supported South Sudan's independence struggle and its government during the 2013-2020 civil war, sporadic border skirmishes and incidents of cattle rustling have strained relations. In March 2025, Uganda had again dispatched special forces to Juba to bolster security amid renewed political tensions within South Sudan's leadership.
Stalled Demarcation Efforts: A joint border demarcation committee was established in 2017 to resolve the boundary dispute. Officials from both countries had previously expressed hopes of reaching a definitive resolution by 2027. This latest deadly incident places renewed and urgent pressure on this committee to accelerate its work and deliver tangible progress.
Current Situation and Future Outlook:
Ceasefire and Investigation Agreed: In the aftermath of the clash, South Sudan's army spokesperson, Major General Lul Ruai Koang, confirmed that senior military officials from both nations have agreed to an immediate ceasefire. This agreement aims to facilitate a formal, joint investigation into the circumstances that led to the confrontation.
Calls for De-escalation: Both the South Sudanese capital, Juba, and the Ugandan capital, Kampala, are facing mounting calls from regional bodies and concerned parties to urgently de-escalate the situation. Emphasis is being placed on strengthening cross-border communication channels and ensuring compensation and security for the displaced and affected civilian populations.
The recent deadly clash profoundly underscores the critical need for Uganda and South Sudan to find a comprehensive and lasting resolution to their border disputes. Without swift and decisive action, such incidents threaten to further destabilize a region already grappling with numerous challenges.
I'm Aisha shehu
Talksocialtalka News
