The governments of Uganda and South Sudan have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening peace, security, trade and bilateral relations along their shared border. The pledge followed a high-level reconciliation meeting held on Saturday, July 25 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 border. They adopted resolutions aimed at ending the border conflict between Yumbe District and Kajo Keji County in South Sudan, which has lasted for more than a decade.
Acting Director of Defence Public Information Col Chris Magezi said the parties agreed to re-demarcate the disputed 6.12-kilometre border stretch between Yumbe and Kajo Keji. They also agreed to organise a cultural and sports gala involving the Kuku and Aringa communities to promote unity.
Other resolutions included strengthening joint intelligence operations and improving communication systems to support 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, Huda Abason Oleru, commended both governments for maintaining peaceful relations.
She said the cordial relationship had enabled border communities to interact freely, trade and pursue development opportunities.
Oleru reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to implementing the resolutions. She pledged to present the concerns and recommendations to the relevant national authorities to support lasting peace and sustainable solutions for the affected communities.
She also called for more investment in roads and modern markets to support cross-border trade. She said better connectivity would stimulate economic growth and improve the livelihoods of border communities.
The minister urged people in the West Nile sub-region to preserve and revive their cultural heritage, especially traditional foods and customs that have gradually been abandoned.
Representing the South Sudan government, Central Equatoria State Governor Emmanuel Anthony Wani Andee Adi called for the swift implementation of the agreed resolutions.
He said this would accelerate peace and strengthen cooperation between the two countries.
Uganda’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to South Sudan, Brig Gen Ronnie Balya, said the challenges facing the Kajo Keji and Aringa communities stemmed from colonial-era border demarcations.
He said the boundaries 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. Representatives from the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces and the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces also attended.
