There was heavy gunfire at a Magwi County border area with Uganda on Tuesday, according to residents.

The cause of the shootout is unclear, but Commissioner Ben Kingston on Tuesday said there was presence of the Ugandan forces in the area.

A businessman, who spoke to Eye Radio on condition of anonymity, said the gunfire caused panic among the civilians in the area.

“I’m even in my garden just close to Lacerebonyo, near the place where the fighting is taking place, and I can hear the gunshots,” he said.

The Minister of Information in Eastern Equatoria State, Mark Akio confirmed the incident. He says it is not clear who is behind the shooting.

However, Ugandan media has also reported about the incident. They say it was an operation by the UPDF to evict South Sudanese from the area.

“The South Sudanese raided Ngom Oromo border inside Uganda three days ago claiming it was part of their territory and displaced hundreds of residents,” reported the Insider website.

The county authorities have asked the state government to look into the matter.