The SPLA says applicants who were denied entry into the army protested in Yambio in Western Equatoria State yesterday.

SPLA spokesman Col Philip Aguer says a committee formed by the army screened out some applicants who did not qualify to join the force.

He says those who were not recruited became angry and rioted on their way home.

Col Aguer denies initial reports that the army soldiers were the ones rioting.

“There was a committee that was screening them because for you to enroll into the army, there must be certain criteria,” he said.

“So, after the screening, some of those recruits were told to go back home and on the way home, they rioted and did whatever they did in the market and this was just out of anger.”

Col Aguer also denied media reports that Brigadier General Martin Kenyi has moved over to the SPLA in Opposition.

He said Brigadier General Martin is for treatment in Kampala on permission from the army.