Uganda-South Sudan border demarcation to commence in 2027
South Sudan People's Defense Forces soldiers escort a delegation from Uganda in Kajo-Keji on December 11, 2024. PHOTO | SCOVIN ICETA
What you need to know:
- Past incidents have seen parts of Gwere Village in Lefori Sub-county, Moyo District, become a contested area, with the South Sudan government claiming it as their territory.
The long-awaited border demarcation between Uganda and South Sudan is set to begin in 2027, according to declarations from officials of both governments.
The demarcation is expected to address the longstanding disputes over the border, which have resulted in numerous clashes in the past.
Confirming the development on Wednesday evening at Modi Hotel in Kajo-Keji County, Mr Benjamin Ryembe, Executive Director of Kajo-Keji County in Central Equatoria State, said: "The issue of resolving the border dispute between Uganda and South Sudan is now clear, and the designated period for its resolution is 2027."
He further stated that a committee from South Sudan has already been formed and will collaborate with a similar committee from Uganda to carry out the demarcation process.
"The border is an administrative and political matter, but the people are not divided. The movement of people is unrestricted, but it is the administrative and political entities that exercise authority within their respective jurisdictions," he explained.
Past incidents have seen parts of Gwere Village in Lefori Sub-county, Moyo District, become a contested area, with the South Sudan government claiming it as their territory. Due to several clashes and attacks on the village, President Salva Kiir and President Museveni visited the area on November 28, 2009, and agreed that no activities would take place there until the border demarcation is completed. The conflict also affects areas of Yumbe District.
Optimism for unity
Rt Rev Dr James Lule Kenyi, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Kajo-Keji, expressed hope that the demarcation would foster unity between the people of Uganda and South Sudan.
"We believe that through continuous engagement, these two sister countries will serve as an example to other border regions. We must continue nurturing this relationship, and ultimately, we will see positive results," he said.
The Officer in Charge at Moyo Central Police Station, Mr. Ivan Natumanya, highlighted improvements in the security situation along the border, despite a few pockets of criminal activity.
"The only challenge we face on this border is that our people are still influenced by colonial boundaries, which often lead to trading conflicts," he noted.
He added, "At Moyo Hospital, South Sudanese patients receive treatment, which exemplifies Pan-Africanism. We (Ugandans) view them as our brothers and sisters, and what affects South Sudan also affects us."
Security cooperation
Col Michael Wiyual Jamy, Deputy Commander of the 2nd Brigade Force in Kajo-Keji County, emphasized the importance of continued cooperation between the security forces of both countries before the demarcation begins in 2027.
"We have the UPDF in Western Bahr-el-Ghazal State, working to track LRA warlord Joseph Kony in areas near our border with the Central African Republic. Strong relations between the UPDF and the SSPDF are essential to ensuring boundary security and allowing civilians to move freely," he said.
Mr David Lisi Christopher, Commissioner of Kajo-Keji County, called for peaceful resolutions of disputes between the two communities, urging amicable solutions rather than hostility.
