A simmering border dispute between South Sudan and Uganda has turned deadly, claiming the lives of six soldiers in a confrontation that has raised alarm over regional stability.
Officials in South Sudan reported that five of their soldiers were killed in a shootout with Ugandan forces earlier this week in Central Equatoria State, near the contested frontier. Uganda’s military confirmed the death of one of its personnel during the encounter.
The clash comes despite Uganda’s longstanding military support for South Sudan’s government. In March, Kampala announced the deployment of special forces to assist the administration of President Salva Kiir. However, this recent incident suggests cracks in that alliance, particularly at the local level.
Preliminary reports indicate the confrontation involved units of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and South Sudanese troops stationed near the border. Though details remain limited, local authorities point to unresolved boundary lines as a key trigger for the violence.
Tensions over territorial claims have persisted since South Sudan gained independence in 2011, with several communities living along the border caught between overlapping national interests. Analysts warn that without a formal demarcation and clear communication between the two governments, such incidents could continue.
Diplomatic efforts are expected to intensify in the coming days as both sides seek to contain the fallout and prevent further clashes.
