The Governments of Uganda and South Sudan have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening peace, security, trade and bilateral relations along their shared border following a high-level reconciliation meeting held on July 25, 2026, at Hotel Le-Confidentiel in Arua City.
The meeting brought together government officials, religious leaders, women and youth representatives, and community leaders from both sides of the Uganda-South Sudan border to adopt resolutions aimed at resolving a more than decade-long border conflict between Yumbe District in Uganda and Kajo Keji County in South Sudan.
Key resolutions included the re-demarcation of a disputed 6.12-kilometre stretch of the border between Yumbe and Kajo Keji, the organisation of a cultural and sports gala involving the Kuku and Aringa communities to promote unity, enhanced joint intelligence operations, and improved communication mechanisms for the 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, Hon. Huda Abason Oleru, commended the two governments for maintaining peaceful relations between Uganda and South Sudan.
She said the cordial relationship had enabled border communities to interact freely, engage in trade and pursue development opportunities.
Oleru reaffirmed the Government of Uganda’s commitment to implementing the agreed resolutions and pledged to present the concerns and recommendations raised at the meeting to relevant national authorities to facilitate lasting peace and sustainable solutions for affected communities.
She also called for increased investment in road infrastructure and modern markets to facilitate cross-border trade, saying improved connectivity would boost economic growth and improve the livelihoods of border communities.
The minister further urged residents of the West Nile sub-region to preserve and revive their cultural heritage, particularly traditional foods and customs that have gradually been abandoned.
Representing the Government of South Sudan, the Governor of Central Equatoria State, Emmanuel Anthony Wani Andee Adi, called for the swift implementation of the agreed resolutions to accelerate peace and strengthen cooperation between the two countries.
Uganda’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to South Sudan, Brigadier General Ronnie Balya, said many of the challenges facing the Kajo Keji and Aringa communities stem from colonial-era border demarcations that divided people with shared historical and cultural ties.
He urged the two communities to focus on socio-economic development rather than allowing minor land disputes to undermine their relations.
The meeting was attended by local leaders from Yumbe District and Kajo Keji County, as well as representatives of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF).
