Fierce clashes between the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) have caused great distress in Yumbe District, northern Uganda. The fighting began on July 15 and escalated on July 28 in the villages of Fitina Mbaya and Goboro, which are near the Uganda-South Sudan border. This violent conflict has left seven people dead, forced hundreds to flee their homes, and caused widespread fear among local communities.
The trouble started when South Sudanese soldiers crossed into Uganda and set up a camp about 200 meters inside Ugandan land. These soldiers stayed in the area for about three weeks. During that time, they reportedly took local crops, forced people out of their homes, and created tension in the villages. Efforts by the UPDF to ask the South Sudanese troops to leave peacefully did not succeed.
On July 28, the UPDF tried once more to talk with the South Sudanese soldiers. However, instead of peaceful talks, the South Sudanese soldiers opened fire, killing one UPDF officer and injuring two others. The UPDF returned fire, killing three South Sudanese soldiers and pushing the attackers back. This exchange of violence has heightened the fear among residents.
Local leaders say the crisis is more than just a fight between soldiers. When the South Sudanese troops first arrived, they claimed the land belonged to them and began building shelters. They also looted food, stole livestock, and destroyed property. Several houses were burned during the fighting. Most worrying, seven people were kidnapped—three men, a woman, and three children. While the woman and children were released the same night, the three men are still missing.
The situation remains very tense. Many families are too scared to return to their homes, and schools like Goboro Primary School have temporarily closed because of safety concerns. Local officials, including the Resident District Commissioner Hajji Sulaiman Lubwama Bukya, have confirmed the kidnappings and destruction. They are now working closely with South Sudanese authorities to calm the situation. A joint security meeting is planned to find a peaceful solution to this border conflict.
Leaders and residents hope for quick diplomatic action to stop more violence. The border communities need peace and safety so families can return to their normal lives without fear. Until then, the people of Yumbe District remain on edge, waiting for calm to return to their homes.
