South Sudan SSPDF: Seize Ugandan Trucks in Bor, Drivers Abducted

• Six Ugandan truck drivers are missing after armed men seized their vehicles in Bor Town, Jonglei State, South Sudan, between Tuesday and Wednesday morning.
• The armed individuals are suspected to be soldiers of the South Sudan People's Defence Forces (SSPDF), allegedly intending to use the seized trucks to transport local militias.
• Two other drivers were reportedly beaten and injured while resisting the seizures, with others now in hiding due to the escalating insecurity.
• The Alliance for Heavy Trucks Federation has called for urgent diplomatic intervention to secure the drivers' release and recover the trucks, warning of negative impacts on Uganda-South Sudan trade.
• This incident highlights severe security risks for cross-border transport, adding to longstanding concerns for Ugandan truck drivers operating in South Sudan.

The armed individuals are suspected to be soldiers of the South Sudan People's Defence Forces (SSPDF), allegedly intending to use the seized vehicles to transport local militias engaged in conflict against government rebels in Jonglei State.

Six Ugandan truck drivers are currently unaccounted for following their reported abduction by armed individuals in Bor Town, Jonglei State, South Sudan. The incidents, which also involved the seizure of six heavy trucks, occurred between Tuesday and Wednesday morning at two critical White Nile landing sites, Mina Fish Port and Lew-dier docking site. These locations are vital hubs for the regional fish trade, facilitating exports to Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and other East African nations.

Reports from truck drivers who managed to remain in Bor indicate that the armed individuals are suspected to be soldiers belonging to the South Sudan People's Defence Forces (SSPDF). The armed individuals are suspected to be soldiers of the South Sudan People's Defence Forces (SSPDF), allegedly intending to use the seized vehicles to transport local militias engaged in conflict against government rebels in Jonglei State. Among the confiscated vehicles, some bore registration numbers such as UAF 901U, SSD 517E, and UA 861, and were actively involved in transporting fish. Efforts to obtain a statement from Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang, the official spokesperson for the SSPDF, were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.

The escalating insecurity has directly impacted other Ugandan drivers, with two individuals identified as Rasta and Ashraf reportedly sustaining injuries after being beaten while resisting attempts to seize their trucks. Both drivers are currently receiving medical attention at health facilities within Bor. Many other truck drivers in the area have gone into hiding, fearing similar attacks and abductions.

One anonymous driver recounted a severe assault and the confiscation of his truck, detailing how he narrowly escaped on foot despite having a security guard assigned to him. This incident highlights severe and escalating security risks for transport and logistics companies operating cross-border routes into South Sudan, particularly in Jonglei State, necessitating immediate review of risk assessments, insurance coverage, and security protocols for personnel and assets. Isaac Katabazi, the Board Chairperson of the Alliance for Heavy Trucks Federation, has publicly addressed the crisis, confirming the details of the abductions and seizures. He has since initiated contact with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, urging for urgent diplomatic intervention to secure the release of the missing drivers and the recovery of the seized vehicles.

Mr. Katabazi has issued a stark warning regarding the potential negative impact of this incident on the already fragile trade relationship between Uganda and South Sudan. This event exacerbates longstanding concerns over attacks, harassment, and general insecurity that have plagued Ugandan truck drivers operating along the critical Nimule-Juba highway, a key artery for Uganda South Sudan trade insecurity. The Bor Town security risks transport operations significantly, threatening the viability of essential supply chains.

Ugandan truck drivers have historically voiced their grievances through protests, notably at Elegu, a border town in Amuru District, in response to persistent insecurity and alleged harassment within South Sudan. The current situation, involving suspected state actors in the seizure of assets and abduction of personnel, adds a grave new dimension to the cross-border transport risk assessment for all stakeholders.

In light of the severe developments, Mr. Katabazi has made an urgent appeal to the South Sudanese government. He has called for direct intervention, specifically requesting that security authorities in Jonglei State engage in negotiations for the safe return of the seized trucks and, crucially, for the protection of Ugandan drivers operating in the region. His plea underscores the necessity for a peaceful resolution that prioritizes human safety and property rights.

Furthermore, Katabazi has cautioned that Ugandan truck drivers may resort to industrial action, potentially laying down their tools, if the South Sudanese government fails to take decisive steps to secure the release of the missing drivers and address the broader security concerns. This potential strike would further cripple cross-border logistics and trade, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

This incident highlights severe and escalating security risks for transport and logistics companies operating cross-border routes into South Sudan, particularly in Jonglei State, necessitating immediate review of risk assessments, insurance coverage, and security protocols for personnel and assets. Lawyers should advise clients on potential liabilities, force majeure clauses, and the implications of alleged state actor involvement (SSPDF) on claims and diplomatic recourse.

Source: Original reporting via Uganda Radio Network