MOYO, UGANDA — Authorities have confirmed the death of a Ugandan fisherwoman following an ambush on eight nationals who were fishing along the River Nile inside South Sudan.
The incident occurred on November 27, 2025, when three Arabic-speaking armed men dressed in army-green uniforms, believed to resemble those worn by South Sudanese rebel groups, opened fire on the group.
The attack resulted in the death of 39-year-old Joyce Peta from Gbari Village, Metu Sub-county in Moyo District, according to the Daily Monitor.
North West Nile Regional Police spokesperson, Collins Asea, said the assailants struck while the victims were in their temporary shelters along the riverbank. Police records indicate that while several members of the group managed to escape, some remain unaccounted for.
The survivors, Savior Lukaja, Ginya Simon, Charles Kenyi, Nataline Kojoa, and 50-year-old fishmonger Rose Asio, returned to Uganda after the attack. They were initially treated at Gbari Health Center II before being referred to Moyo General Hospital for further medical attention.
Peta’s body has not yet been recovered. However, her one-year-eight-month-old baby was rescued by a Good Samaritan and has since been handed over to relatives. Authorities are coordinating with South Sudanese security personnel to locate the deceased and the remaining missing individuals.
Moyo Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Geoffrey Filbert Ocailap, assured the public that the security situation at the Uganda–South Sudan border remains stable. He noted that the victims had ventured approximately 20 kilometers into South Sudan to fish and that authorities have now restricted cross-border movements during the festive season to enhance public safety.
Ocailap explained that five Ugandans were initially reported missing, with two later found injured. The whereabouts of three others remain unknown. He added that the district security committee has intensified border patrols and urged residents to report any suspicious individuals within their communities.
Ugandan officials emphasized that the attack occurred inside South Sudanese territory and does not reflect the security situation within Uganda. Authorities said they are closely monitoring the affected area and remain in contact with South Sudanese forces to prevent further incidents.
