Cross-border tensions flare after South Sudan soldier shot dead in Uganda

A 27-year-old South Sudanese soldier was shot dead by Ugandan security personnel in northwestern Uganda after allegedly robbing a civilian and opening fire while attempting to flee, police said, a claim strongly disputed by South Sudanese authorities.

The deceased was identified as Corporal Daniel Agweli, an active-duty soldier attached to the Ajio Detachment of the South Sudan army, according to Ugandan police and South Sudanese officials.

Uganda police said the incident occurred on December 19, 2025, in Yamba Village, Ojuwa Parish, Midigo Town Council in Yumbe District, near the South Sudan border.

North West Nile regional police spokesperson Collins Asea said Agweli allegedly attacked and robbed a local charcoal dealer of a motorcycle, a mobile phone, and Shs500,000 (about $130).

“It is reported by Lt Moris Masendi, OC Okupia UPDF Detachment, that on December 19, 2025, at approximately 15:00 hours, he received a report from Tom Byansi, a 30-year-old charcoal dealer, residing in Kerwa Sub-County,” Asea said.

He added: “Byansi reported that his motorcycle (Senke), mobile phone, and Shs500,000 were robbed by an armed individual dressed in a South Sudan Army uniform.”

Asea said security forces pursued the suspect, who allegedly opened fire when confronted.

“Following this report, the security team immediately initiated a pursuit of the suspect. The suspect was located, but upon seeing the security personnel, he opened fire, resulting in the suspect being neutralized on the spot,” he said.

Police said a South Sudan Army-issued submachine gun, three fully loaded magazines, and additional ammunition were recovered, along with the stolen motorcycle and phone.

“Among the exhibits recovered were a South Sudan Army-issued SMG rifle (No. 56-16018828), three fully loaded magazines, an additional 13 bullets, the robbed motorcycle and mobile phone,” Asea said, adding that the items were handed over to Yumbe police station.

He said the body was taken to Yumbe Regional Referral Hospital mortuary for post-mortem examination, while one suspect, identified as Joseph Mawa, was arrested to assist investigations.

Police preliminary findings indicate the deceased was an active serving officer of the South Sudan army and sustained gunshot wounds to the right arm and head.

Ugandan authorities said they are investigating the incident as a robbery case and are working with South Sudanese counterparts, urging border communities to remain vigilant during the festive season.

‘AMBUSHED BY UGANDAN ARMY’

However, South Sudanese officials rejected the robbery narrative and accused Ugandan forces of crossing into South Sudanese territory.

In an interview, Jackson Wani Mule, the commissioner of Kajo Keji County in South Sudan, confirmed Agweli was a serving soldier but denied the allegations.

“I was called and told that one of my army officers was shot by the UPDF. What I was told is the person was moving from Ajio to a village called Kululu in South Sudan,” he said.

“They ambushed the person and killed him and took the body,” Mule told _MONITOR_, alleging Ugandan forces crossed into South Sudan.

On Sunday, he further claimed that a local chief and his son were arrested by Ugandan soldiers, and accused Uganda of repeated border violations.

South Sudan has accused Ugandan forces of killing 10 of its soldiers in border-related incidents over recent years, citing clashes in 2020, July 2025, and the latest incident.

Ugandan forces and South Sudanese troops have previously clashed over disputed border areas, heightening concerns over security and cooperation along the frontier.