Tension as S.Sudan Claims ownership of 20 villages in Yumbe

 

Tension is rising in the border region between Uganda and South Sudan as South Sudan claims ownership of more than 20 villages in Uganda's Yumbe district. The affected villages include Kaboro A, Keriwa, Tiria, and others in Kerwa sub-county, as well as Fitina Mbaya, Alema, and others in Kochi sub-county. 

South Sudan has been forcibly allocating land to its people in these villages, displacing Ugandan households in the process. Many of the people being settled by South Sudanese authorities are refugees from Uganda, who fled due to food shortages.

This dispute has a long history, with the border conflict stretching from Oraba in Koboko district to Lefori sub-county in Moyo district. In 2009, Presidents Museveni and Kiir agreed that farmers from both countries could use the borderland without claiming ownership until the boundary is redefined, but this agreement has not been implemented.

Local leaders and officials are urging the Ugandan government to engage with South Sudan to resolve the border issue, which is impacting government programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM). Yumbe District Woman MP Melisa Avako has promised to raise the matter in parliament for government intervention. The situation remains tense, with displaced residents worried about their homes and livelihoods.