MP laments tension over border encroachment by Ugandan forces

Lawmaker representing Kajo Keji County in Central Equatoria State complained over alleged deployment of the Ugandan People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) in the border areas, saying the situation has evoked fear and anxiety.

James Duku claimed the UPDF had evicted South Sudanese from the areas and prevented movements on both sides of the border.

He alleged that some residents of Nyaingamuda village in Bori Boma were the most affected lot by the activity.

“They [the UPDF] have driven the South Sudanese out of the area.” They are deploying heavily as I speak,” he complained.

“No one is permitted to travel from refugee camps to Kajo Keji or from Kajo Keji to the refugee camps,” he said.

He alleged the Ugandan forces arrested three people in the area, and their current whereabouts were unknown.

He said the situation was alarming and begged the Parliament to act.

“We have not heard from the government and we would prefer the parliament to take it over as a matter of emergency,” he said.

However, the South Sudan People’s Defense Force Spokesperson, Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai, told Eye Radio that the army has agreed to stand by for new developments and to let border tensions in Kajo-Keji County be resolved through diplomatic channels.

According to Maj Gen Lul Ruai, the army leadership has agreed to refer the matter to the Joint Border Committee, which was formed by the two countries.

“I got in touch with the leadership on the same issue and we are leaving it to be handled by the Joint Border Committee that was set up by the two countries, they are the ones that will give us the best solution on how to overcome some of these border issues,” Lul told Eye Radio