Relations between the Government of South Sudan and Uganda have once again deteriorated after a controversial incident marked by conflicting accounts over the death of a South Sudanese soldier who was shot on Ugandan soil. This occurred at a time when security in border areas between the two countries continues to be plagued by confusion, theft, and poorly explained armed confrontations.
On December 19, 2025, Corporal Daniel Agweli, a 27-year-old soldier of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), was shot dead in the Yamba area, near the South Sudan–Uganda border. What happened that day immediately became the subject of differing narratives, with each side presenting its own version of events.
Ugandan security authorities say Daniel Agweli was shot after being suspected of robbing a Ugandan civilian and opening fire on security personnel who attempted to arrest him. Ugandan police maintain that the shooting was an act of self-defense and aimed at protecting civilians.
The spokesperson of the Uganda Police in the North West Nile region, Collins Asea, stated that a local resident identified as Byansi reported to police that his motorcycle, phone, and 500,000 Ugandan shillings had been stolen. He said the suspect was wearing a South Sudanese military uniform, prompting security agencies to launch a search.
📰 Also Read This:
According to Asea, the suspect was tracked down by security officers, but when he realized he was about to be arrested, he began shooting at them, leading officers to return fire, killing him on the spot. Police say they recovered his firearm and ammunition and also retrieved the stolen items.
The body of Corporal Daniel Agweli was taken to Yumbe Hospital in Uganda for a post-mortem examination before further details about the cause of death could be released.
However, the South Sudanese side rejected Uganda’s explanation, describing it as a cover-up for the abduction and killing of their soldier. South Sudanese military officials insist that Agweli did not cross into Ugandan territory to commit theft, but was on a routine journey within his own country.
The military commander in South Sudan’s Kajo Keji area, Brigadier Jackson Wani Mule, said the soldier was unlawfully killed. He explained that Agweli was traveling from Ajio to the Kululu area inside South Sudan when he was allegedly seized by Ugandan forces.
“I received a call informing me that one of my soldiers had been shot by the Ugandan army. They abducted him, killed him, and then took away his body,” he said. These remarks further fueled tensions between the two sides, prompting citizens and analysts to question the real circumstances behind the incident.
Regional analysts note that the Uganda–South Sudan border is often affected by insecurity due to smuggling, the presence of armed groups, and theft targeting civilians. Such conditions sometimes lead to clashes between soldiers from both countries that begin as minor incidents but escalate into diplomatic disputes.
There are growing concerns that this incident could damage relations between the two countries, especially given Uganda’s significant role in supporting South Sudan in matters of security and the economy. Residents of border communities have expressed fear that the incident could worsen insecurity and disrupt cross-border trade and livelihoods.
So far, no joint statement has been issued by both sides indicating the launch of a joint investigation or the start of formal diplomatic talks. However, information from various sources suggests that urgent discussions may take place to prevent the situation from escalating further.
As investigations continue, the death of Corporal Daniel Agweli remains a source of intense disagreement, with each side insisting it holds the truth. Nevertheless, many believe that a transparent and thorough investigation is necessary to protect civilian security and preserve the special relationship between the two neighboring countries in the region.
