The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and South Sudan Red Cross (SSRC) on Wednesday commenced the distribution of much-needed humanitarian assistance mainly in Kajo-Keji County’s Liwolo County to returnees from refugee camps in Uganda and locals who were displaced by clashes between the armies of South Sudan and Uganda last month.
Renewed fighting broke out in mid-July 2026 when local authorities reported that UPDF troops crossed into South Sudanese territory, attacking positions in Merwa, Gorbeleng, and the Andejoga region. These mid-2026 and prior 2025 skirmishes resulted in multiple fatalities—including SSPDF soldiers and local security personnel—and displaced an estimated 16,000 civilians who sought refuge in schools, churches, and areas like Sokare.
On Wednesday, a total of 1,700 out of the targeted 2,600 households benefited from the food donation. Joseph Lukak, the SSRC Head of Branch in Juba, confirmed that distribution is progressing across multiple locations, with aid deliveries completed in Mangalatore, Keriwa, and Sokare.
Lokole Chaplain, one of the beneficiaries, told Radio Tamazuj that the arrival of aid has highlighted significant gaps between allocated aid ratios and actual household sizes.
“The current flat-rate allocations per family often fall short for large households, leaving families with up to 14 members with inadequate shelter and supplies,” he explained. “Sometimes you have a family of 14 people, but you get one carpet. It is not enough for us. The aid agencies should adjust distribution quantities based on verified family sizes.”
He added that humanitarian agencies are rehabilitating critical infrastructure like broken water boreholes while offering protection and family-links services, including free mobile phone airtime to help separated families reconnect across borders.
“Local community leaders have expressed deep gratitude for the relief efforts after long logistical delays due to poor road conditions,” Lokokjle said, while calling on humanitarian agencies to expand continuous registration to capture new influxes of returnees.
Meanwhile, another beneficiary, Justin Kenyi Peter, said the support comes at a very important time and will make a meaningful difference in the lives of many families, especially vulnerable children, women, elderly people, and those facing difficult circumstances.
“Your kindness has brought not only food to our tables but also hope, dignity, and encouragement to our community. We sincerely thank the South Sudan Red Cross and its partners, as well as the humanitarian team, donors, volunteers, and everyone who contributed to making this assistance possible,” he said. “Your generosity demonstrates the power of compassion, solidarity, and humanity. May your continued efforts bring hope and relief to many more communities in need.”
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