FILE: Trucks carrying salted fish destined for Congo via Uganda at Mangalla Port, Mangalla County - Eye Radio | Koang Pal Chang | Oct 23, 2021

Ugandan truck drivers in Jonglei State have accused local authorities in Bor of forcibly seizing their commercial vehicles to transport hundreds of armed youths returning from alleged failed cattle raid. Attempts to reach the Jonglei State government spokesperson for comment were unsuccessful by press time.

A local source in Jonglei, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that hundreds of armed youths from Northern Jonglei returned through Bor after the alleged failed cattle raid in the Greater Pibor Administrative Area.

The source stated that the large influx put pressure on state authorities to commandeer foreign-owned commercial trucks to move the youths back to their home villages.

According to drivers interviewed by the Daily Monitor in Uganda, at least four Ugandan-registered trucks were commandeered on Wednesday morning—two at the Leudier port and two in Mina Township.

Other operators carrying goods, including fresh fish, were ordered to offload immediately so their trucks could be converted for transport. One driver who refused was reportedly severely beaten and injured.

Isaac Katabazi, chairperson of the Regional Truck Transformation Initiative, condemned the seizures, warning that forcing civilian haulers into military service strips drivers of their neutral status and exposes foreign civilians to armed ambushes.

“We need help in Bor, South Sudan. This morning, the army of South Sudan hijacked four trucks and drivers. The army has taken them to military facilities to ferry soldiers to unknown places,” Mr. Katabazi said.

“They still need more trucks and have ordered drivers carrying fish to offload their cargo. One driver who refused to drive to the military facility was badly beaten and sustained severe injuries.”

Katabazi added that transport firms may suspend cross-border deliveries to South Sudan if the impoundments continue, noting that high-level talks with South Sudanese authorities are underway to secure the immediate release of the detained drivers and vehicles.