UPDF refutes claims that Ugandans were killed in South Sudan

By Tony Langalanga 

GULU,Uganda – UPDF Northern Uganda Security Officer /IDP Return Officer, Col. Francis Acoka has refuted ongoing allegations that some Ugandans were killed in South Sudan.

Col. Acoka said the situation in the north and across the neighboring capital of Southern Sudan in Juba is still very calm.

Reacting to rumors which had been going on in Gulu late evening, Col. Achoka told New Vision that there are some malicious elements in society trying to peddle rumors that some lives have been lost in Juba town, addigng that those people are Ugandan traders.  

Traders loading their merchandise (assorted goods) to Juba at Kafumbe Mukasa Road 

He said he had just been in contact with the Uganda Defense Attache in Juba, Lt. Col. Otto who assured him that there is no cause for alarm, and that the situation is calm.

He said anyone caught trying to bring situations of disorder and disharmony between our two communities, Uganda and South Sudan, will be dealt with according to the law.

He advised the public to continue enganging in trade with the southern Sudanese people, adding that nothing would create divide between the two trade blocs.

The police have issued a warning to the people not to take the law into their own hands. 

Northern Region Police Spokesperson, Johnson Kilama said the police have not got any information in connection with any Ugandan killed in Sudan.

Ugandan and South Sudanese traders at a market in Juba town

Kilama said the police would pursue such rumor-mongers, who have not yet been identified, and take them to the scene to show evidence of the killings.

He said they have got enough fuel to take them to the scene where the crimes were committed and warned that whoever is circulating such allegations should be prepared to give full information to the police.