File photo: Liwolo county commissioner Jackson Wani Mule - photo Courtesy

Local authorities in Kajo-Keji County and neighboring Moyo District of Uganda have resolved to jointly identify, arrest, and prosecute individuals accused of inciting communities and participating in recent cross-border violence.

The agreement follows a cross-border raid in Abaya village, Kangapo 1 Payam, where armed youth from Uganda’s Moyo District crossed into South Sudan and raided over 300 head of cattle.

Kajo-Keji County Commissioner Jackson Wani Mule confirmed that local authorities immediately engaged their counterparts in Moyo District following the incident. Emergency bilateral talks led to the recovery of 171 cattle and the arrest of several suspects involved in the raid.

Commissioner Wani stated that joint security teams have identified two distinct groups of suspects who will be tracked down to face justice.

Speaking on the security situation, Kajo-Keji County Intelligence Officer Col. Aburi called on border communities to exercise restraint, embrace peaceful dialogue, and maintain clear boundaries between livestock grazing corridors and farmlands. He issued a stern warning that any individuals caught inciting violence or disrupting cross-border tranquility will face full prosecution.

Both local governments affirmed their commitment to continuous joint security consultations to restore order, recover the remaining stolen livestock, and prevent future cross-border incursions.