South Sudan rebels attack Jale barracks near Uganda border

MOYO- Heavy gunfire rocked Jale barracks of SPLA IG on Friday causing fears among the residents along the borderline in Moyo District.

Lt Ahmed Hassan Kato, the UPDF 4th division spokesperson said at 6.00am, Sudan People's Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO) attacked Jale, one of the bases of the SPLA in Government in Kajo-Keji Country, about two kilometres from the borderline of Moyo District in Uganda.

"It is true there was exchange of fire between SPLA IG and SPLA IO. The result of the fight has not been confirmed as yet. We (UPDF) are continuing with our normal security operations to ensure safety of our people and to deter any spill-over of the war into our country through the west Nile borderlines,” he said.He urged the residents living along the borderline to remain calm as authorities investigate the incident.

The Ambassador of South Sudan to Uganda, Mr Samuel Luate could not be reached for comments by the time of filing this story as he was reportedly in a meeting. Last month, there was an attack by soldiers reportedly from South Sudan on UPDF soldiers at their base in Koboko District. The borders of West Nile stretching from Koboko, Moyo and Adjumani districts are prone to spill over of attacks from both the government soldiers of South Sudan and the opposition army as well as other rebel groups operating along the South Sudan border.

Since the war broke out in South Sudan, the UPDF and police have stepped up security surveillance at the border points in order to avert attacks in Uganda. The worry for the locals is that there are several illegal entry points that remain largely uncontrolled.

A security official who spoke to this reporter on phone on Friday afternoon but declined to be named since he is not the official government spokesperson, said: “We have repulsed the SPLA IO after the attacks and as of now, we are in control of the situation and Jale. Both armies have not suffered any deaths or injuries from the attacks.

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