UPDF soldiers greet an SPLA soldier at a border area in Magwi County on May 21, 2018 | Credit | Ijoo Bosco/Eye Radio

The Ugandan Army has admitted deploying forces along the border but denied allegations its troops have inched into South Sudan’s territory and established a base.

Early July, local people living along South Sudan border areas of Pogee and Owiny-ki-bul in Eastern Equatoria’s Magwi County  reported they were sent away from their farms and were harassed by the Ugandan army.

They alleged that the Ugandan People’s Defense Force (UPDF) set up barracks and conducted patrols in parts of the areas.

According  Magwi County Commissioner, Pole-pole Benjamin, the Ugandan troops were also seen installing global positioning satellite or GPS in Patoko Village of Magwi County.

When contacted, the Public Information Officer of the Ugandan army has disputed the claim but admitted the deployment of the forces along the common border, creating chaos.

“It is true there has been some chaos on that border but what I can confirm is that Ugandans or UPDF are deployed on the side of Uganda.

“I don’t believe that they have crossed the border because everything shows even if you go to GPS, it will show you that you’re in Uganda or you have crossed to another country. So UPDF is deployed alongside the border but they are within Ugandan territory, ” said Captain Favorite Rugumayo.

Last week, Eastern Equatoria State governor Luise Lobong Lojore urged the need for the joint border committee to expedite the border crisis resolution.