By Halima Athumani and Parach Mach
KAMPALA, Uganda (AA) - Three Ugandan soldiers have been injured on their way to Nesita in South Sudan.
Confirming the attack to Anadolu Agency on phone, Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) spokesman Brigadier Gen. Lul Ruai Koang said: “SPLA learnt of the attack this evening, we are surprised because the opposition forces loyal to [South Sudan Vice President] Riek Machar might be behind this barbaric act.”
The Ugandan convoy after crossing into South Sudan was reportedly hit by unknown gunmen at the Ayi border point in Padak about 160 kilometers (99 miles) from Nesitu, located in the south of the country.
Fighting broke out in the South Sudanese capital last Friday, with heavy weapons such as tanks, helicopter gunships and artillery involved, leaving almost 300 people killed and thousands displaced or seeking shelter in United Nations properties.
Ugandan forces were allowed to enter South Sudan and evacuate its nationals. About one million Ugandans operate businesses in South Sudan.
According to reports four vehicles at the back of the convoy were hit injuring three Ugandan soldiers who are currently being treated at the SPLA military hospital in Giada. The assailants reportedly used AK-47 rifles and fired into the trucks.
The Ugandan army fought alongside President Salva Kiir’s forces at the start of the civil war in 2013. Their withdrawal from Juba was a key demand in recent shaky peace talks with Vice President Riek Machar.
Both South Sudan's president Salva Kiir and rebel leader-turned-vice president Riek Machar on Monday called for a unilateral cease-fire in the capital Juba which is still holding after several days of fierce battles between their respective forces.