South Sudan, Uganda leaders call for joint action on border security, land disputes

Leaders from South Sudan and Uganda have called for joint action to address illegal firearms, land-related concerns and security challenges along their shared border, stressing the need for dialogue, cooperation and consultation with local communities.

The leaders made the call at the weekend during a cross-border meeting in Pogee, South Sudan, where discussions focused on border security, land administration and a proposed road project intended to improve connectivity between the neighbouring countries, according to New Vision.

Lamwo Resident District Commissioner William Komakech said the continued presence of illegal firearms in border areas, particularly Agoro, Aswa and Maleso, remained a security concern requiring coordinated intervention by authorities from both countries.

Komakech warned that the movement of illegal weapons across the border could threaten residents’ safety and undermine peaceful coexistence. He called for stronger cooperation between Ugandan and South Sudanese security agencies to prevent armed violence and address concerns affecting communities on both sides.

He also urged South Sudanese officials to maintain regular engagement with their Ugandan counterparts to ensure that security concerns were addressed through established channels.

The discussions also raised questions about areas described as “no-man’s land,” particularly regarding land ownership, administrative authority and development activities.

South Sudan’s Caretaker State Minister for Roads and Bridges in Eastern Equatoria State, Elis John Ahaji, cautioned against the use of force or threatening language in pursuing development projects.

According to New Vision, Ahaji warned that such approaches could create suspicion and strain relations between the neighbouring countries.

The minister called for disagreements to be resolved through dialogue and mutual understanding. He also questioned the interpretation of the term “no-man’s land,” arguing that the designation should not automatically mean that local communities have no rights or interests in the areas concerned.

Ahaji called for continued engagement between the two governments to clarify the issues and prevent misunderstandings from affecting residents and cross-border development initiatives.

The discussions come as South Sudan and Uganda pursue infrastructure development intended to strengthen trade, improve transport links and expand economic opportunities for border communities.

The proposed Kitgum–Ngomoromo border road, with a planned extension towards Pogee and Pajok in South Sudan, was identified as an opportunity to improve the movement of people and goods and strengthen commercial ties between the two countries.

However, South Sudanese officials stressed the importance of consulting local authorities, security agencies and affected communities before construction activities proceed.

Magwi County Commissioner Francis Gabriel Lam called for public sensitisation and coordination with security agencies ahead of the proposed road works, saying communities needed adequate information about the project and an opportunity to raise concerns.

Lam also acknowledged Uganda’s support for refugees and its facilitation of vehicle movements for humanitarian operations, underscoring the importance of continued cooperation between the two countries.

He said South Sudanese authorities wanted to work with their Ugandan counterparts to resolve outstanding concerns surrounding the proposed road extension, including issues relating to the initial denial of the contract to the South Sudanese side, New Vision reported.

Lam further said there was no rebel activity in Madi County and urged authorities on both sides to avoid unnecessary security concerns that could hinder development initiatives.

Lamwo District Chairperson Oyet Sasto Ocen called for peaceful coexistence, citing longstanding social and economic ties among Acholi communities living on both sides of the border.

Ocen encouraged residents to embrace stability, trade and the economic opportunities that could emerge from improved road connectivity.

The meeting highlighted the importance of cooperation between South Sudan and Uganda in addressing shared security concerns while ensuring that infrastructure development takes into account the interests of border communities.

For South Sudan, the discussions underscore the importance of protecting community interests, consulting local authorities and resolving cross-border disagreements peacefully while pursuing mutually beneficial development with Uganda.