‘Stray’ bullet kills woman as South Sudan rebel clashes spill into Uganda

A 45-year-old South Sudanese woman living in Uganda has been killed by a stray bullet during clashes between rival factions of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO) near the Uganda–South Sudan border in Koboko district.

The incident occurred on Thursday at about 10am in the Mungujayi area of South Sudan, near the Ugandan border, according to Josephine Angucia, the West Nile regional police spokesperson.

Angucia identified the deceased as Roba Jerina, saying the bullet struck her on the Ugandan side of the border as fighting between members of the rebel group intensified.

“In the process of the fight, a stray bullet shot and killed one lady on the Ugandan side, identified as Roba Jerina, aged 45 years, a South Sudanese living in Uganda,” Angucia said.

The clashes also prompted four suspected SPLA-IO combatants to cross into Uganda through the Kuluba border area in Koboko district, where they were intercepted and arrested by Ugandan security personnel.

Michael Masereka, the Koboko district police commander, said the four combatants were arrested by a Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) foot patrol at about 1pm and taken to Koboko Central Police Station. Two of them had sustained injuries during the clashes.

The arrests come amid heightened security vigilance along the Kuluba–Kaya border, as Ugandan authorities seek to prevent the conflict in neighbouring South Sudan from spilling into the country. Security personnel have reportedly intensified patrols in the area following the incident.

Gun and ammunition recovered

In a related development, police said a submachine gun (SMG) and 31 rounds of ammunition were recovered from Mungujayi village in Kuluba sub-county, Koboko district, on Wednesday evening.

Angucia said the weapon, bearing serial number 2685, was discovered by Muki Masayi, who was cutting grass at a site where he intended to construct a house.

Masayi reportedly alerted the Koboko Resident District Commissioner’s office and the District Internal Security Officer, who responded and recovered the weapon.

“The gun has been exhibited as evidence at Koboko CPS pending further investigation,” Angucia said.

Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the recovery of the firearm as security agencies continue to monitor developments along the Uganda–South Sudan border.

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