Ugandan Truck Drivers Killed South Sudan: Federation Demands Action After Ambush

• Two Ugandan truck drivers were killed in an alleged ambush in South Sudan's Eastern Equatoria State while transporting sugar.
• The victims were identified as Jamil Kawooya and his co-driver Rashid, attacked about 60 km from Uganda's Ngomoromo border.
• The Alliance of Heavy Truck Drivers Federation is demanding the release of the bodies and compensation from the South Sudanese government.
• South Sudan's military spokesperson stated he was unaware of the incident, deferring responsibility to the Eastern Equatoria State government.
• This incident follows a bilateral meeting in July where both nations committed to improving highway security after previous cross-border attacks.

The Alliance of Heavy Truck Drivers Federation demands not only the repatriation of the bodies of Jamil Kawooya and Rashid but also financial compensation from the South Sudanese government for the lives lost.

Two Ugandan truck drivers were fatally shot in an alleged ambush by unidentified assailants in South Sudan's Eastern Equatoria State. The incident, which occurred on a Friday, took place approximately 60 kilometers from Uganda's Ngomoromo border point. The victims were en route to Kapoeta Town, transporting a consignment of sugar when the attack occurred.

One of the deceased has been identified as Jamil Kawooya, who was operating a truck registered as UAT 422U, laden with sugar. His co-driver, known only as Rashid, also perished in the attack. Isaac Katabazi, the Chairperson of the Alliance of Heavy Truck Drivers Federation, confirmed these details on Sunday, explaining that Kawooya had initially been transporting sugar to Kapoeta with two vehicles. One of these trucks experienced a mechanical failure during the journey.

Kawooya successfully delivered the first load of sugar using the operational truck before returning to retrieve the second consignment. It was shortly after he commenced his return journey to collect the stalled vehicle that he and Rashid were ambushed. As of Sunday, the bodies of the two Ugandan truck drivers killed South Sudan remained in Kapoeta Town, prompting urgent calls from the federation for their release to facilitate proper burial in Uganda.

This recent ambush underscores the persistent and growing security challenges faced by foreign drivers traversing South Sudanese highways, particularly within Eastern Equatoria State. The Alliance of Heavy Truck Drivers Federation has highlighted these increasing risks, noting that such incidents are not isolated. This attack follows another significant security breach approximately three months prior, when six Ugandan truck drivers were reportedly abducted by unidentified gunmen in Bor Tow.

Beyond direct violence, foreign drivers operating in South Sudan frequently encounter significant non-tariff barriers South Sudan transport, which complicate cross-border operations. According to the federation, drivers traveling to Juba and other regions of the country can face up to nine roadblocks daily. These operational hurdles, combined with the heightened risk of violence, create a perilous environment for logistics and transport operations.

In response to these ongoing security issues, Ugandan and South Sudanese authorities convened a bilateral meeting in Gulu City in July. Discussions during this summit encompassed security, trade, economic cooperation, and migration. A key outcome of this meeting was a commitment to enhance security along major highways, a resolution that followed a series of cross-border security incidents impacting Uganda's northern districts, including Lamwo, Koboko, Yumbe, and Moyo.

The Alliance of Heavy Truck Drivers Federation demands not only the repatriation of the bodies of Jamil Kawooya and Rashid but also financial compensation from the South Sudanese government for the lives lost. Isaac Katabazi emphasized the urgent need for the South Sudanese government to uphold its commitments to ensure the safety of foreign truck drivers operating within its borders. This demand for Uganda South Sudan cross-border compensation highlights the perceived failure of existing security measures.

However, official responses from South Sudanese authorities have indicated a lack of immediate awareness regarding the incident. Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang, spokesperson for the South Sudan People's Defence Forces (SSPDF), stated on Sunday that he had no knowledge of the shooting in Kapoeta. He clarified that security matters in Kapoeta fall under the purview of the Eastern Equatoria State government, suggesting that inquiries should be directed there.

General Ruai further acknowledged the complex security landscape in the region, noting that he could not ascertain which specific group was responsible for the killings, given the presence of numerous armed factions operating across different parts of Eastern Equatoria State. Despite this, he reiterated that the security of all travelers entering and exiting South Sudan remains a state responsibility, stressing the importance of timely information-sharing to address any security gaps. The Jamil Kawooya South Sudan ambush thus exposes a critical gap in communication and accountability, highlighting Eastern Equatoria State security risks.

Lawyers advising clients with logistics or transport operations in South Sudan, particularly in Eastern Equatoria State, should note the heightened security risks for foreign drivers and the potential for increased liability. Compliance officers should review risk assessments and insurance coverage for personnel and assets operating in this region, given the reported lack of clear government accountability for such incidents.

Source: Original reporting via Uganda Radio Network