Greater Yei chiefs spoke on Eye Radio's Sund Down on Thursday, 13-08-2026|By Awan Moses

JUBA, 14 August 2026 — The Greater Yei Council of Chiefs is calling on President Salva Kiir Mayardit to urgently intervene in the ongoing border tensions between South Sudan and Uganda, after community leaders visiting Kajo-Keji reported dire conditions among civilians displaced by recent clashes.

The appeal followed a visit by community leaders to several displacement sites in Kajo-Keji County to assess the conditions of civilians affected by fighting involving the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) along the border.

Speaking on Eye Radio’s Sundown Show, Chief Elias Khamis, a member of the Greater Yei Council of Chiefs and part of the delegation, said the team found large numbers of displaced people living in extremely difficult conditions.

“The bishop led us to meet with the displaced population, and it’s clear that there are many of them,” Khamis said.

He said the delegation found displaced civilians in Sokare, Logo, Magalatoria and Kiruwa, with people lacking adequate food and shelter.

“Their conditions are extremely dire, with little to no access to food or proper shelter. The displaced communities are urgently appealing for assistance,” he said.

Khamis said the situation has become particularly difficult during the rainy season, with some displaced people sheltering under trees or in schools.

“The situation worsens during the rainy season, as they lack adequate shelters to keep warm and protected. Many are living under trees or in schools, which is very distressing,” he said.

The delegation’s findings have prompted the Greater Yei Council of Chiefs to call for urgent government intervention and humanitarian assistance for the affected communities.

Hellen Awate, Secretary General of the Liwolo Women Development Association, who was also part of the visit, said children and babies were among those facing the greatest hardship.

“Children in this coldness, they are just having no shelter and they don’t have clothing for covering, especially the babies. They are suffering very, very badly,” Awate said.

She appealed to humanitarian organisations and other willing groups to provide clothing and other essential supplies to help protect children from the cold and rain.

Awate also reported shortages of medicines at health facilities serving displaced communities.

“Actually, even in the health centers, there were no drugs. So, there is a shortage of everything in the displaced populations in Liwolo, Payam,” she said.

Meanwhile, James Ayira, who recently visited Kajo-Keji, urged President Kiir to address the underlying border dispute with Uganda, saying continued tensions are contributing to civilian displacement.

“I urge the national government to address the border issues between South Sudan and Uganda. Resolving this border dispute is crucial,” Ayira said.

He said the displaced civilians are South Sudanese who were forced from their homes within South Sudan and called for their protection and assistance.

Ayira said community leaders intend to coordinate with Central Equatoria State Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony to seek a meeting with President Kiir and present their concerns.

“We are hopeful that this approach will enable us to have our concerns heard and that the President will listen to our plight,” he said.

The latest appeal comes amid recurring tensions along the South Sudan-Uganda border.

In July 2026, the Central Equatoria State government held bilateral talks with Ugandan authorities in Arua District to address recurring border tensions and alleged troop incursions.

The community leaders say the conditions they witnessed during their latest visit demonstrate the need for both immediate humanitarian assistance and a lasting political solution to the border dispute.