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Ugandan president orders evacuation of citizens trapped in South Sudan fighting

Xinhua, July 12, 2016 Adjust font size:

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni on Tuesday ordered the country's military to immediately evacuate its citizens currently trapped in the ongoing fighting between two rival forces in the neighboring South Sudan, a spokesperson said here.

Ofwono Opondo, the government spokesperson, told reporters here that President Museveni has directed Uganda People's Defense Forces (UPDF) to cross and evacuate the citizens currently stranded at Nisitu as fighting between troops loyal to President Salva Kiir and First Deputy President, Riek Machara continues in the capital, Juba.

"Following the ongoing fighting in South Sudan, the president has ordered the UPDF to safely evacuate Ugandans trapped in the country," said Opondo.

Lt. Col Paddy Ankunda, Uganda's military spokesperson in a statement issued here on Tuesday said that a few UPDF troops were heading to Nisitu for evacuation exercise.

"UPDF to conduct safe evacuation for Ugandans trapped in South Sudan. Few troops will secure the movement of civilians," said Ankunda.

President Kiir and Vice President Machar on Monday evening ordered ceasefire respectively after days of heavy fighting between their forces in the capital Juba.

President Kiir directed all commanders to cease hostilities, control their forces and protect civilians, Information Minister Michael Makuei said in a televised speech on the state broadcaster.

At least 271 people have been killed since the clashes broke out last week in Juba, according to the country's ministry of health. Endit