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

Kajo-Keji, Central Equatoria State (Eye Radio) — Authorities of Kajo-Keji County have condemned the killing of a South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) Military Intelligence officer by Ugandan troops, describing the incident as a “preplanned incursion” into South Sudanese territory.

Speaking to Eye Radio on Monday, December 29, the Commissioner of Kajo-Keji County, Wani Jackson Mule, revealed that the officer was targeted by the Ugandan People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) while on a legitimate mission to gather intelligence regarding the National Salvation Front (NAS) at a local chief’s residence.

According to the Commissioner, the SSPDF soldier was deployed to Tururu Ajo village in Liwolo Payam in Kajo-Keji County to monitor the movements of armed holdout groups that periodically cross the frontier.

“While he was carrying out this duty on our side of the border, UPDF soldiers spotted him, crossed over, attacked him, killed him, and took his body,” Wani stated.

He stated the UPDF also abducted a local chief along with the body of an SSPDF soldier, adding that this was followed by a smear campaign in Ugandan media, including reports on NTV Uganda, which alleged the soldier was shot while looting a motorcycle, mobile phones, and cash inside Uganda.

Commissioner Wani rejected these claims as “false and misleading,” asserting that the officer was performing a national security duty at the time of his death.

The situation has since evolved into a diplomatic and humanitarian crisis. The soldier’s body was transported to Yumbe District in Uganda, where it remains. Wani reported that Ugandan authorities have refused to negotiate the terms for handing over the remains despite repeated requests.

Further complicating the matter is the detention of a local South Sudanese chief and his immediate family. Ugandan authorities claim the shooting occurred at the chief’s home located within Uganda—a claim the Commissioner disputes as a strategic lie.

“We believe this is an attempt to reclaim the area by forcing the chief and residents to leave so it can be occupied and later claimed as Ugandan territory,” Wani suggested.

With the body still being held in Yumbe and the local chief in custody, the Kajo-Keji County administration has elevated the matter to the national level. Commissioner Wani called on the governments in Juba and Kampala to negotiate the handover of the body through the South Sudanese embassy in Uganda.

This incident is the latest in a series of violent clashes along the South Sudan-Uganda border, where unclear demarcations and the presence of armed movements continue to strain relations.