South Sudanese Citizens Decry Invasion by the Uganda People’s Defense Force
Local authorities in South Sudan’s Pogee, Magwi County of Eastern Equatoria State have raised alarm over the increased occupation of their land and harassment by Ugandans.
They said the Uganda People’s Defense Force (UPDF) has continued to displace host communities along the border and opening up settlement for their citizens in Katoko, Gotlela, Arambeel, Adodi and Paragadwanya.
The South Sudan authorities said UPDF soldiers had established more than eight barracks in the neighboring territory and deployed patrol forces.
Earlier this month, several houses were destroyed or burnt to ashes by Ugandan forces in Padwanya village, they claimed on Tuesday.
A Pogee administrator Jemila Augustine Aya told to the Radio Tamazuj on Tuesday that “the Ugandan invaders were increasing day by the day.”
Aya stated that the Uganda People’s Defense Force (UPDF) had also established an eight-hectare sugarcane plantation inside South Sudan with temporary settlements.
“They are just moving and threatening the civilians, asking them not to build permanent houses in their area,” She said.
The citizens of Uganda and Sudan have coexisted peacefully, the problem are the Uganda soldiers who come and beat up our people, she said, adding that one person had his building materials confiscated by the UPDF.
The Chairperson of Parjok community, Francis Lopoka Ojok, said UPDF continue to harass and threaten host communities along the border to evacuate.
He added that several settlements had been opened by the Ugandans on the South Sudan territory.
Magwi County Commissioner Pole Pole Benjamin Olum said Ugandan citizens had occupied several parts of South Sudan, with the UPDF forces providing security and protection.
They have been there for a long time, and are not alone. The civilians too are coming then they say they need to protect their civilians, without even coordinating with the County authorities, he said.
Olum said they have consistently reported to the State and the National authorities and it was up to them to take the appropriate action.
