The authorities in Ugandan on Tuesday agreed to return cattle seized from South Sudanese herders in Eastern Equatoria State’s Ikotos County on Monday for grazing illegally in Ugandan territory.
However, in response, Ikotos County Commissioner Timon Loboi said they cannot accept the return of the cattle without the involvement of the state government since they were forcefully taken to Uganda.
On Monday, the situation along the South Sudan-Uganda border at the Tseretenya border was tense after elements from the Uganda People’s Defense Force were accused of raiding an unspecified head of cattle from South Sudan.
William Komakech, the Resident District Commissioner for Lamwo District, said South Sudanese authorities from Ikotos failed to turn up for a scheduled meeting over the matter. He reiterated his government’s decision to ensure that the seized cattle were returned to the rightful owners.
“I do not know why the South Sudanese officials did not come, you better ask them because I am also waiting and they have not called me since. I cannot comment on the issue until we have met,” he said. “You first ask them why they have not come when we the other side are waiting for them. When you have an appointment with somebody, you call them so that you find out whether they will come.”
For his part, Commissioner Loboi of Ikotos County said they could not receive and return the cattle he contends were raided due to fear of fresh attacks from Ugandan forces patrolling in South Sudan territory. He however said amidst fear and panic among the local communities along the border, the security situation has returned to normal.
“The Ugandans are at the border with the cattle and waiting for us to turn up but I am still waiting for orders from my state authorities. The cattle were divided into sections, the others went to the eastern, others went western but people are now moving freely and there is no obstruction,” the commissioner explained. “It is known that the raid was done by a Ugandan government institution and because the issue has already reached the state authorities in Torit, the latter is now running up and down to make everything perfect.”
“My only worry is the local youth who might retaliate because their administration is not like that of soldiers who follow one command and order,” Loboi added.
He said the situation has been further complicated by the Uganda authorities claiming that their tarmac road which comes up to the village of Nangolojore in South Sudan is in Ugandan territory and that is why the UPDF has been patrolling the area.
Meanwhile, Peter Lokeng Lotone, the State Minister of Local Government and Law Enforcement Agencies, said a committee will soon be formed to meet Ugandan government officials over the matter.
“The Government of Eastern Equatoria State in collaboration with the Government of Uganda, especially Lamwo District, on Monday initiated communication to meet but the Government of Eastern Equatoria is still sitting with the team going there and then the issue will be resolved,” he explained. “Our stand is to go and ensure that the cattle are returned to the rightful owners in Tseretenya and the team will go and harmonize the issue and make sure the people along the border co-exist peacefully.”