Uganda, S.Sudan start joint patrols in Moyo
Inspector General of Police Kale Kayihura (L) and South Sudan counterpart Gen Pieng Deng (C) at the launch of the joint patrol at Afoji border this week. PHOTO BY SCOVIA ICETA
What you need to know:
Top police officials from both countries promise residents safety of their lives and property and warn perpetrators of violence.
Moyo- Uganda and South Sudan have deployed joint border patrols in Moyo District to ease tension following clashes between citizens of both nations over a disputed area.
Eight people were killed in reprisal attacks following the arrest of Moyo census officials by Kajo-Keji County security of South Sudan recently.
The heavy deployment follows a meeting attended by the Inspector General of Police, Gen Kale Kayihura, and his South Sudan counterpart Pieng Deng early this week.
Gen Kayihura assured the residents police would protect their lives and property. “We have agreed that the deployment of police must be robust. The presence of police along the border must be visible to restore calm,” Gen Kayihura said.
He warned the youth who were carrying bows and arrows against threatening lives of others, saying they would be apprehended and face the law.
“When you threaten the life of someone, you become a legitimate target. Who are you to threaten another? Are you God?” Gen Kayihura asked.
Gen Deng said the two countries would work together to ensure there are no more clashes, unlawful arrests, and detentions.
He said although people have lost lives, property and others have been displaced, security operatives on the ground will ensure peace prevails.
Meanwhile, more than 2,500 South Sudanese refugees living in Baratuku Refugee Settlement Camp in Adjumani District are grappling with scarcity of safe water after three-newly drilled bore-holes in the area broke down.
Mr Titus Jogo, the Adjumani refugee desk officer, said he was not aware of the breakdown of the boreholes but blamed the low water table in the area for the water shortage.
