Uganda People’s Defence Forces clashed with South Sudanese soldiers on the border- a conflict that has seen tensions reach boiling point.  A military confrontation over a disputed border area between South Sudan and Uganda has claimed the lives of two South Sudanese soldiers.  This latest skirmish between the two sides took place on the army post situated within South Sudan, leading to the killing of its soldiers around Pogee area, Magwi County of Eastern Equatoria State.  Kampala was swift to give its own account, accusing South Sudanese forces of provocation and attempt at violating her sovereign integrity thus attracting response that has been viewed as aggressive and violent from her South Sudanese counterparts.

In June this year, a similar incident occurred around Fitina-Mbaya, also called Buya, a contested part of Kajo-keji County in Central Equatoria state. Four South Sudanese soldiers and a police officer were shot and killed by the UPDF.  Uganda and South Sudan have accused each other of firing shots on their flashpoint border in a further escalation of military tension between the neighbouring countries. The relationship between the two countries has been blowing hot and cold since previous stand-offs have been decorated with blood shed and spats of violence. Experts fear the latest incident will intensify a months-long standoff between the two countries.

Since gaining Independence in 2011, South Sudan has had several unresolved disputes with Ugandan authorities over demarcation of some border areas. In November 2018, the Ugandan army alleged South Sudanese soldiers had crossed to Lamwo district and ordered them to leave or face dire consequences. About 30 Sudan People's Liberation Army soldiers had reportedly invaded Ngomoromo village a month earlier. Uganda claimed the SPLA soldiers had erected a barrier six kilometres into Ugandan territory and hoisted their national flag.

Despite the two countries in 2017 agreeing to redraw their common border in an effort to end the long-simmering conflicts, recent attacks point to a fact that agreement is far from being achieved. Military commanders and diplomats from both sides are set to hold talks to de-escalate and finding pacifying solution to end warrying tensions and diffuse the border dispute.  Achieving consensus over the dispute will be a huge achievement from both sides since they need each other in bolstering trade, cooperation and regional stability.