South Sudanese abduct four Ugandans, one found dead in Yumbe

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Tragedy continues to unfold in Yumbe district after one of four Ugandans abducted by suspected South Sudan People's Defence Forces (SSPDF) soldiers was found dead near the Uganda-South Sudan border.

David Mawa, 47, was discovered lifeless in Miliafe village, Munduchaku parish, on Wednesday, July 31, 2025, a day after the abductions. His body, riddled with bullets in the leg and chest, was found by locals who launched a manhunt along the route taken by the assailants fleeing into South Sudan.

The abduction occurred just hours after a deadly clash between Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and SSPDF troops at Fitina Mbaya village, leaving four dead.

Toah Mafu, Kochi sub-county’s LC3 chairperson, condemned the incident as a “serious violation of community peace and human rights,” noting that three women were released by the abductors, while four men, including Mawa, were detained.

Community fear and missing persons

After recovering Mawa’s body, the unarmed search party retreated, fearing further violence. Three abductees remain missing, with Mafu stating, “We don’t know their fate. The community fears they may also be dead.”

A senior security source, speaking on condition of anonymity, linked the violence to armed Kuku tribes people along the border, stressing that SSPDF forces had withdrawn from the area. UPDF has since intensified patrols to protect residents.

Escalating tensions

In South Sudan, Eye Radio reported rising SSPDF attack casualties from three to five, including a prison officer, a Police officer, and three soldiers.

Kajokeji county commissioner Jackson Wani confirmed preparations for their burial, signalling deepening cross-border strife.