Uganda and South Sudan Resolve Yumbe-Kajo Keji Border Dispute for Lasting Peace

Uganda and South Sudan renewed their security commitments to lasting peace, security, and socio-economic cooperation along their shared border on July 25, 2026. Convening at Hotel Le-Confidentiel in Arua City, officials addressed a decade-long territorial dispute between Yumbe District and Kajo Keji County, establishing concrete frameworks for cross-border stability, joint intelligence operations, and community reconciliation.

Historical Colonial Borders Fueling Modern Local Disputes

The core friction points between the Kajo Keji and Aringa communities trace back directly to colonial-era demarcations. These historical boundaries carved lines through landscapes inhabited by people with shared ancestral, cultural, and family ties. Local communities frequently find themselves caught between overlapping jurisdictions, turning minor land management issues into protracted regional challenges.

To resolve the 6.12-kilometre disputed stretch sitting precisely between Yumbe District and Kajo Keji County, both national governments agreed to a physical re-demarcation process. This technical step aims to provide clear administrative clarity for landowners and municipal authorities.

High-Level Representation and Concrete Security Resolutions

The high-level reconciliation summit brought together a diverse cross-section of leadership. Attendees included government delegates, religious figures, women and youth representatives, and community leaders from both nations. Military coordination formed a central pillar of the discussions, featuring direct participation from the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) and the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF).

Col. Chris Magezi, the Acting Director of Defence Public Information, outlined the core resolutions adopted by the delegations. Beyond the border re-demarcation, the governments committed to:

• Strengthening joint intelligence operations to intercept illicit cross-border movements.
• Enhancing communication mechanisms to ensure the timely reporting and mitigation of local incidents.
• Organizing a joint cultural and sports gala involving the Kuku and Aringa communities to foster grassroots reconciliation.

Representing the Government of South Sudan, Central Equatoria State Governor Emmanuel Anthony Wani Andee Adi called for the swift implementation of these agreed measures. He emphasized that prompt action is necessary to deepen bilateral cooperation and secure peaceful coexistence between neighboring populations.

Economic Development and Infrastructure as Peacebuilders

Huda Abason Oleru, stressed that physical infrastructure must match diplomatic goodwill. During the proceedings, she highlighted the urgent need for increased investment in modern markets and upgraded road networks across the West Nile sub-region.

Improved regional connectivity directly facilitates cross-border commerce, lowers logistical barriers for traders, and stimulates long-term economic growth.

Hon. Oleru also urged local communities within the West Nile sub-region to actively preserve their cultural heritage. She noted that traditional foods and ancestral customs have gradually declined over recent decades and encouraged community elders to revitalize these practices to strengthen social cohesion alongside economic development.

Sustaining Diplomatic Momentum

The Government of Uganda reaffirmed its dedication to translating the Arua City resolutions into actionable national policy. Hon. Oleru pledged to present all community concerns and formal recommendations directly to national authorities. By aligning military cooperation, infrastructure development, and community-led cultural exchanges, Uganda and South Sudan seek to establish a durable blueprint for regional stability that outlasts colonial-era grievances.

As the re-demarcation of the Yumbe-Kajo Keji border moves forward and joint security frameworks take root, the long-term success of this agreement will depend on transparent administrative execution and continuous community engagement.