Uganda, South Sudan Renew Commitment To Lasting Peace Along Shared Border

The Governments of Uganda and South Sudan have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening peace, security, trade, and bilateral relations along their shared border following a high-level reconciliation meeting held on 25 July 2026 at Hotel Le-Confidentiel in Arua City.

The meeting brought together government officials, religious leaders, women and youth representatives, and community leaders from both sides of the Uganda-South Sudan border to adopt resolutions aimed at resolving the more than decade-long border conflict between Yumbe District and Kajo Keji County in South Sudan.

Among the key resolutions adopted were the re-demarcation of the disputed 6.12-kilometre border stretch between Yumbe and Kajo Keji, the organisation of a cultural and sports gala involving the Kuku and Aringa communities to foster unity, enhanced joint intelligence operations, and improved communication mechanisms to ensure the timely reporting and management of cross-border incidents.

Speaking at the meeting, the Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs in charge of Veteran Affairs, Hon. Huda Abason Oleru, commended both governments for maintaining the peaceful relations that continue to exist between the two countries. She observed that the cordial relationship has enabled border communities to interact freely, engage in trade, and pursue development opportunities.

Hon. Oleru reaffirmed the Government of Uganda’s commitment to implementing the meeting’s resolutions and pledged to present the concerns and recommendations raised to the relevant national authorities to facilitate lasting peace and sustainable solutions for the affected communities.

She also called for increased investment in road infrastructure and modern markets to facilitate cross-border trade, saying improved connectivity would stimulate economic growth and improve the livelihoods of border communities.

The minister further urged the people of the West Nile sub-region to preserve and revive their cultural heritage, particularly traditional foods and customs that have gradually been abandoned.

Representing the Government of South Sudan, the Governor of Central Equatoria State, Emmanuel Anthony Wani Andee Adi, called for the swift implementation of the agreed resolutions to accelerate peace and strengthen cooperation between the two countries.

Uganda’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to South Sudan, H.E. Brigadier General Ronnie Balya, observed that the challenges facing the Kajo Keji and Aringa communities stem from colonial-era border demarcations that divided people with shared historical and cultural ties. He urged both communities to focus on socio-economic development instead of minor land disputes.

The meeting was attended by local leaders from Yumbe District and Kajo Keji County, as well as representatives of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) and the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF).