SSPDF uniform displays the national flag patch - Photo credit: Getty Images

The Commissioner of Kajo-Keji County in Central Equatoria State says he has requested authorities in Yumbe District of Uganda to transfer the body of a dead SSPDF soldier to the Embassy of South Sudan in Kampala, saying the matter goes beyond the jurisdiction of the county.

The soldier was allegedly killed last year by Ugandan military in Tururu Ajo Boma, Liwolo Payam of Kajo-Keji County, according to Commissioner Wani Jackson Mule.

He explained that the SSPDF officer had been deployed to the area on an intelligence-gathering mission inside South Sudan when soldiers from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) allegedly crossed the border, attacked him, killed him, and took his body.

According to Mule, the soldier’s body has since been held by authorities in Yumbe District of Uganda.

Speaking to Eye Radio this morning, Commissioner Wani said he directed the authorities in Yumbe to transfer the body to the South Sudan Embassy in Kampala, saying the matter now requires handling at the national and diplomatic level.

“The body is still in Yumbe district of Uganda, the body has not been handed to us. I directed them to take the body to the South Sudan Embassy in Kampala so that they resolve the issue at the National level there because it is beyond the capacity of the county. I do not know how far they have gone but I think the body is still in Yumbe,” he said.

Eye Radio also contacted the Spokesperson of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), Major General Lul Ruai Koang, who said he would respond after bringing the matter to the attention of the Chief of Defence Forces.