ARUA CITY – The Governments of Uganda and South Sudan have renewed their commitment to strengthening peace, security, trade, and bilateral relations along their common border after adopting a series of resolutions aimed at ending a border dispute that has persisted for more than a decade.
The resolutions were reached during a high-level Uganda–South Sudan reconciliation meeting held on July 25, 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.
At the centre of the discussions was the long-running border conflict between Yumbe District in Uganda and Kajo Keji County in South Sudan, with delegates agreeing to re-demarcate the disputed 6.12-kilometre border stretch to provide clarity on the international boundary, ease tensions among border communities, and strengthen security cooperation.
The meeting also resolved to organize a cultural and sports gala involving the Kuku and Aringa communities to promote reconciliation, foster unity, and strengthen the long-standing relationship between the two neighboring communities.
Delegates further agreed to enhance joint intelligence operations and establish improved communication mechanisms to ensure the timely reporting and management of cross-border security incidents.
Speaking during the meeting, the Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs in charge of Veteran Affairs, Hon. Huda Abason Oleru, commended Uganda and South Sudan for maintaining peaceful relations despite the long-standing border disagreements.
She noted that the cordial relationship between the two countries has enabled border communities to interact freely, engage in cross-border trade, and pursue social and economic development.
Hon. Oleru reaffirmed the Government of Uganda’s commitment to implementing the resolutions adopted during the meeting and pledged to present the concerns and recommendations raised by the affected communities to the relevant government authorities.
“We remain committed to implementing the agreed resolutions and ensuring that the concerns raised are addressed through the appropriate government structures,” she said.
The minister also called for increased investment in road infrastructure and the construction of modern markets to facilitate cross-border trade, saying improved connectivity would stimulate economic growth and improve the livelihoods of people living along the border.
She further urged communities in 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, Central Equatoria State Governor Emmanuel Anthony Wani Andee Adi called for the swift implementation of the agreed resolutions, describing the border re-demarcation exercise as critical to consolidating peace and strengthening cooperation between the two neighboring countries.
Uganda’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to South Sudan, H.E. Brig. Gen. Ronnie Balya, said many of the recurring disputes between the Kajo Keji and Aringa communities originated from colonial-era border demarcations that divided people with shared historical and cultural ties.
He urged residents on both sides of the border to prioritize socio-economic development over land disputes, emphasizing that stronger cooperation would create greater opportunities for trade, investment, and regional integration.
The meeting was attended by leaders from Yumbe District and Kajo Keji County, as well as representatives of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) and the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), who pledged continued collaboration in implementing the agreed resolutions and maintaining lasting peace and stability along the Uganda–South Sudan border.
