Ugandan soldiers killed in S. Sudan

August 16, 2012 (JUBA) – Two Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) soldiers, who went missing from their unit on Sunday, were discovered dead near the Ugandan border but within South Sudan’s territory, according to UPDF 5th division spokesperson, Ceaser Olweny.

The duo, according to the Ugandan state-owned New Vision, reportedly travelled secretly to a market at the Ugandan border with South Sudan to sell chicken.

Olweny the said the bodies of Flamino Amok and Gilbert Ongeto were found on Tuesday after an extensive search “in the areas of Maji-Moto up to the Uganda-South Sudan border.”

Their bodies have close-range bullet wounds to the chest and head said Olweny, raising concerns that they were murdered.

The UPDF 5th division publicist said it was “unfortunate” that it had not been possible to contact, spokesperson of South Sudan army (SPLA), Phillip Aguer, to discuss the matter.

Olweny, urged local leaders in South Sudan carry out investigations into the incident to find out the motive behind the killings.

In July, suspected poachers in South Sudan reportedly shot dead UPDF soldiers Ahimbisibwe and Mathias Odongo, in Kidepo National Game Park, sparkling tension between the two nations.

(ST)