Drivers federation demands answers after killing of Two Ugandans in South Sudan

What the report says

The Alliance of Heavy Truck Drivers Federation is pressing South Sudanese authorities for answers after two Ugandan truck drivers were killed in Eastern Equatoria State, according to The Independent Uganda. The men were reportedly shot in an ambush on Friday roughly 60 kilometres from Uganda’s Ngomoromo border point while transporting sugar to Kapoeta Town. Uganda Radio Network identified one of the victims as Jamil Kawooya; the second was identified as Rashid, his turn man.

Federation chairperson Isaac Katabazi told URN that the attack happened after Kawooya had already completed one delivery and was returning to collect another consignment. He said the bodies were still in Kapoeta Town and called for them to be released so their families could bury them in Uganda. He also sought compensation and stronger protection for foreign truck drivers, saying highway insecurity and multiple roadblocks continue to disrupt transport in South Sudan.

The report notes that Ugandan and South Sudanese officials had met in Gulu in July to discuss security, trade and migration, including safer major highways. That context makes the latest killings significant because they follow other recent cross-border incidents, including the reported abduction of six Ugandan truck drivers in Bor in August. South Sudanese army spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang said he was not aware of this specific case and referred questions to Eastern Equatoria State authorities, while stressing that traveller security remains a state responsibility.