Home Uganda–South Sudan Clash Leaves Six Soldiers Dead

Uganda–South Sudan Clash Leaves Six Soldiers Dead

July 31, 2025

South Sudanese soldiers. Credit: TRT Global

A deadly clash erupted along the Uganda–South Sudan border, leaving at least six soldiers dead, according to Uganda’s military.

The firefight broke out in Uganda’s remote West Nile region after South Sudanese troops allegedly crossed into Ugandan territory and refused to retreat. In response, Ugandan forces engaged, resulting in casualties on both sides.

Maj. Gen. Felix Kulayigye, spokesperson for the Ugandan army, confirmed that three South Sudanese soldiers were killed following the death of a Ugandan soldier during the incursion. Meanwhile, a South Sudanese official claimed five of their troops were killed in what he described as a “surprise attack.”

Uganda–South Sudan Clash Leaves Six Soldiers Dead — DJIBOUTI (Nov. 29, 2009) – Soldiers of the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces stand in formation as the multi-national, Eastern African Standby Force Field Training Exercise begins Nov. 29, 2009 with an opening ceremony in Djibouti. This ceremony is part of a United Nations-supported exercise for the countries representing the Eastern Africa Brigade Coordination Mechanism, and includes four days of training and a final day for a closing ceremony. Ten East African nations participated in the multi-dimensional EASF FTX, which is designed to test their initial operating capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Carlotta Holley/released)

Both militaries have since agreed to a ceasefire and pledged to investigate the incident. Though Uganda and South Sudan are regional allies, tensions persist over their disputed border — a longstanding issue a joint demarcation committee hopes to resolve by 2027.

While clashes have occurred in the past, fatal confrontations between the two forces remain uncommon.