The Central Equatoria State Security Committee has demanded the immediate withdrawal of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) from parts of Kajo-Keji County following reports of fresh incursions into South Sudanese territory.
The resolution was reached during a high-level security meeting chaired by Governor Lt. Gen. Rabi Mujung Emmanuel on Tuesday at Rajaf Payam, Juba County.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Hon. Leon Abe Brown, the State Minister of Local Government and Law Enforcement Agencies, said the state government is engaging with border communities, traditional leaders, and national institutions, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to pursue a diplomatic resolution.
“The Security Committee calls on the UPDF to vacate our territories in Kajo-Keji County and allow our people to return home and cultivate freely,” Hon. Abe said.
“No foreign forces should operate within Central Equatoria State without a proper mandate,” he added.
The minister appealed to the Ugandan government to uphold international norms and respect South Sudan’s sovereignty, stressing that continued presence of foreign troops could heighten tensions and worsen humanitarian conditions in the border region.
Reports from local authorities indicate that the UPDF has established several forward positions inside Kajo-Keji County, sparking fears among residents who were displaced by earlier border skirmishes.
In other resolutions, the Security Committee directed the Mayor of Juba City Council to reorganize quarter council leaderships to ensure that local chairpersons are democratically elected by residents.
Abe said the measure aims to strengthen service delivery, transparency, and accountability at the community level.
Despite the border concerns, Hon. Abe described the general security situation across Central Equatoria State as “largely calm.”
