Bishop of Kajo-Keji appeals for humanitarian intervention after fatal border clashes

[Anglican Communion News Service] The bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Kajo Keji has made an appeal for humanitarian intervention following surprise attacks between South Sudanese and Ugandan soldiers on July 28 in South Sudan’s Kajo Keji county.

The incident took place on shared borders in the Nyaingamuda area, Bori Boma of Kangapo II Payam, Kajo-Keji. News reports state that the violence claimed the lives of at least eight soldiers between Uganda People’s Defense Force and South Sudan People’s Defence Force.

In a statement, Kajo Keji Bishop James Lule expressed “deep astonishment” about the incident, which has also displaced people in the region.

Lule’ statement is in full below.

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The Diocese of Kajo-Keji is in a deep astonishment and compassion with the unfortunate incident of violence in Nyaingamuda area, Bori Boma of Kangapo II Payam, Kajo-Keji County where innocent civilians are displaced following military confrontation between Uganda People’s Defense Force (UPDF) and South Sudan People’s Defence Force (SSPDF) on the afternoon of 28th/July/2025. Over five (5) casualties were reported from either side. A significant severity of humanitarian needs for food, shelter, non-food items, medical supplies and children clothing including sanitary pads for young women and other essential services like mental health and psychosocial support services (PSS).

Currently, the displaced are camped under trees, in schools, Churches, and health facilities without access to any source of food, clothing, cooking utensils and other basic needs. The displaced population is living in fear due to widespread rumours, misinformation and a negative propaganda of war (between the two forces) circulating uncontrollably.

Therefore, we appeal for humanitarian intervention, for peaceful resolution of conflicts by the warring forces, for protection of the civil population from any sort of violence, and for the warring parties to abide by humanitarian and international laws to spare the civil population.

We pray that the civil population remains resilient and recover from the traumatic experience. For God is the ultimate sustainer of humanity as the scripture encourages us:

Psalm 23:1-6 “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

We call upon all warring parties to demonstrate love for the people of the two sisterly nations. Any war must always be for a just cause of the common good of humanity. What do we gain from killing each other and destroying our long relationship? We call upon the civil population of Kajo-Keji County, Central Equatoria State, the entire Republic of South Sudan and the people of Yumbe district, West Nile region, Republic of Uganda to embrace peace by prioritising peaceful and meaningful ways of addressing all political, social and economic grievances.

As from 29th-July-2025, the number of internally displaced population (IDPs) in Bori camping in Lu’bule, Wotakujong, Sunyu, Kimu, Godo, and Sokare (in Churches, schools, health facilities and undertrees) are as follows:

Total number of Households displaced: 2,364

Number of Individuals affected: 7,915 (3,166 males and 4,749 female)

Number of Children: 2,350 (940 males and 1410 female)

Number of Elderly: 830 (291 Male and 539 Female)

We prayerfully look forward to humanitarian and divine interventions.

Yours in shepherdship,

Rt. Rev. Dr Lule James Kenyi,

Diocesan Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Kajo-Keji.