Uganda, South Sudan agree to re-demarcate disputed Yumbe–Kajo Keji border stretch
“We shall continue to engage the relevant authorities to ensure that the concerns raised by the communities are addressed and that the agreed resolutions are implemented,” Oleru said.
Arua: Uganda and South Sudan have agreed to re-demarcate a disputed 6.12-kilometre stretch along the Yumbe District–Kajo Keji County border as part of efforts to end a more than decade-long border dispute.
The agreement was reached during a high-level bilateral border reconciliation and conflict-resolution meeting held at Hotel Le-Confidentiel in Arua City.
Uganda’s State Minister for Defence and Veterans Affairs, Hon. Dr. Huda Abason Oleru, called on communities on both sides of the border to embrace dialogue, cooperation and peaceful coexistence.
Minister Oleru said communities along the Uganda–South Sudan border should regard themselves as one extended family despite being separated by an international boundary.
“We are one people, sharing language, traditions, culture and heritage. The border should not divide us to the extent of creating conflict,” Oleru said.
She highlighted the historical and cultural links among communities including the Aringa, Lugbara, Alur, Madi, Kebu and Lendu.
Oleru also urged religious, cultural and traditional leaders in both countries to intensify community sensitisation on peaceful coexistence and non-violent approaches to resolving disputes.
“Our cultural and religious leaders have a very important role to play in sensitising communities and promoting peaceful management of disputes,” she said.
The meeting brought together government officials, security personnel, religious leaders, women and youth representatives, community leaders and other stakeholders from Uganda and South Sudan.
Among the key resolutions was the re-demarcation of the disputed 6.12-kilometre border stretch, alongside the strengthening of joint intelligence and communication mechanisms to ensure timely management of cross-border security incidents.
The two sides also agreed to organise a cultural and sports gala involving the Kuku and Aringa communities as a way of promoting unity and strengthening people-to-people relations.
Minister Oleru commended President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba for supporting peacebuilding initiatives with neighbouring countries.
She reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to implementing the resolutions reached during the meeting and pledged to present community concerns and recommendations to relevant national authorities.
“We shall continue to engage the relevant authorities to ensure that the concerns raised by the communities are addressed and that the agreed resolutions are implemented,” Oleru said.
The minister further called for increased investment in infrastructure and markets to facilitate cross-border trade and economic cooperation.
Representatives from South Sudan, including the Governor of Central Equatoria State, also called for swift implementation of the resolutions to strengthen bilateral cooperation and peace along the shared frontier.
The engagement is part of broader efforts by Uganda and South Sudan to institutionalise regular joint mechanisms for conflict prevention, security coordination and socio-economic integration along their approximately 470-kilometre shared border.
Cultural institutions and traditional leaders are expected to play a key role in grassroots mediation, peace sensitisation and community dialogue as the two countries work toward lasting stability in the border region.
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