By Mike Rwothomio

Ugandan security forces have initiated a high-priority counter-crime operation to investigate the targeted assassination of Kamuli Suleiman, a 53-year-old charcoal trader from Bulaga Village, Nakabugo Parish, Wakiso District, in a transnational security incident in South Sudan.

The homicide, executed on April 28, 2025, at approximately 11:00 AM in Pakele, Morobo County, has escalated geopolitical tensions along the volatile Uganda-South Sudan border.

According to situational intelligence reports released by SP Collins Asea , the West Nile regional Police Spokesperson, Suleiman was fatally shot by unidentified perpetrators, tentatively identified as operatives of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO), while conducting charcoal processing activities.

Two associates, Opio and Peter, evaded the assault and safely returned to their operational base in Kijiaria Village, Nyambiri Parish, Koboko District.

Asea added that , On April 29, 2025, at approximately 2:00 PM, a group comprising Suleiman’s relatives, associates, and community members undertook a high-risk, 50-kilometer transit through an unsanctioned border corridor into South Sudan to recover his remains. 

" On April 28, 2025, at approximately 1100 hours, a tragic incident occurred in Pakele, within Morobo County, South Sudan. KAMULI SULEIMAN, a 53-year-old charcoal trader from Bulaga Village, Nakabugo Parish, Wakiso District, was shot and killed by unidentified individuals suspected to be members of the SPLA I.O.

Reports indicate that the deceased had traveled to South Sudan accompanied by two workers, identified only as Opio and Peter, to engage in charcoal processing. Fortunately, both workers managed to escape the attack and returned safely to their base in Kijiaria Village, Nyambiri Parish, Koboko District, Uganda." Asea's statement reads in part.

The body was subsequently transported to the Central Police Station (CPS) in Koboko, where a forensic postmortem analysis was performed.

A case docket, DEF 03/2025, has been established to investigate the homicide, with a focus on transnational organized crime networks and regional threat vectors.

The remains were released to the family for interment in Bulaga Village.

This incident underscores critical vulnerabilities in border security architecture and the inherent risks of unregulated commercial activities in active conflict zones.

Ugandan law enforcement has issued a public safety advisory, directing citizens to refrain from unauthorized border crossings and commercial ventures in unstable South Sudanese territories to mitigate further loss of life.

In response to surging cross-border hostilities, Ugandan authorities are prioritizing conflict resolution strategies, including bilateral diplomatic engagements with South Sudanese counterparts.

This follows the Ugandan government’s authorization, at South Sudan’s behest, of a Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) peacekeeping contingent to South Sudan.

The UPDF is collaborating with South Sudanese security forces to fortify border integrity, neutralize criminal syndicates, and advance sustainable peacebuilding initiatives in the region.

Security forces are steadfast in their commitment to achieving restorative justice for Suleiman and ensuring accountability for the perpetrators.

Security say Ongoing investigations will be supported by continuous situational updates as actionable intelligence emerges.

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at zoomer Africa