The governments of Uganda and South Sudan have agreed to re-demarcate a disputed 6.12-kilometre border stretch between Yumbe District and Kajo Keji County in a major step towards ending a border conflict that has persisted for more than a decade.
The resolution was adopted during a high-level Uganda–South Sudan reconciliation meeting held on 25 July 2026 at Hotel Le-Confidentiel in Arua City.
The meeting brought together government officials, security agencies, religious leaders, women and youth representatives, and community leaders from both countries to chart a lasting solution to recurring cross-border disputes.
The re-demarcation exercise is expected to provide clarity on the international boundary, reduce tensions between communities living along the border, and strengthen security cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.
In addition to the boundary re-demarcation, delegates resolved to organise a cultural and sports gala involving the Kuku and Aringa communities to promote reconciliation, strengthen joint intelligence operations, and improve communication mechanisms for timely reporting and management of cross-border incidents.
Speaking at the meeting, the Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs in charge of Veteran Affairs, Huda Abason Oleru, commended Uganda and South Sudan for maintaining peaceful bilateral relations despite the long-standing border dispute.
She reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to implementing the resolutions reached during the meeting and pledged to present the concerns raised to the relevant government authorities to support lasting peace and sustainable development in the affected border communities.
“We remain committed to implementing the agreed resolutions and ensuring that the concerns raised are addressed through the appropriate government structures,” she said.
Oleru also called for increased investment in road infrastructure and modern markets to boost cross-border trade, saying improved connectivity would enhance economic growth and improve livelihoods.
She further urged communities in the West Nile sub-region to preserve their cultural heritage, including traditional foods and customs.
Representing South Sudan, Central Equatoria State Governor Emmanuel Anthony Wani Andee Adi urged both governments to expedite implementation of the agreed resolutions, describing the border re-demarcation as critical to consolidating peace and strengthening cooperation between the two countries.
Uganda’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to South Sudan, Brig. Gen. Ronnie Balya, said many of the tensions between the Kajo Keji and Aringa communities stem from colonial-era border demarcations that divided people with shared historical and cultural ties.
He urged residents on both sides of the border to prioritise socio-economic development over land disputes, noting that stronger cooperation would create greater opportunities for trade and regional integration.
The meeting was attended by leaders from Yumbe District and Kajo Keji County, alongside representatives of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) and the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), who pledged continued collaboration in implementing the resolutions.
