Ugandan shot dead in South Sudan

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Unknown gunmen have shot dead a 40-year-old Ugandan health specialist in South Sudan.

The deceased has been identified as Clara Amono, a specialist in reproductive health working for Cordaid, an international emergency relief and development organization in South Sudan.

Amono was shot in an ambush between Chukudum and Camp 15 in Budi county, Eastern Equatorial state. She succumbed to her injuries. An unidentified driver of the same organization also reportedly sustained gunshot injuries.

The deceased was on active duty travelling from Torit state to another location to support a medical facility when their convoy of vehicles operated by Cordaid and Save the Children International, came under gunfire from unidentified attackers.

Cordaid has confirmed the incident in a statement published on the organization’s website.

Kees Zevenbergen, Cordaid’s Chief Executive Officer condemned the attack in a statement published on Wednesday.

“Cordaid condemns the violence that resulted in the death of our colleague in South Sudan,” said Zevenbergen.

“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the family and loved ones of the deceased.” He added.

The organization stated it’s continuing to gather information on the incident.

In Pandwong cell in Pandwong division, Kitgum municipality where the deceased is a resident, her family members received the news with shock.

The deceased’s father Dicken Olwoch told Uganda Radio Network in an interview that the incident was saddening for a health worker who had offered her services for ten years now in South Sudan.

Olwoch called on the South Sudan government to expedite investigation into the incident on whether it was a targeted killing by a rebel group or organized bandits.

Olwoch notes that the family is in touch with officials of Cordaid for repatriation of the deceased’s body for burial.

The deceased hails from Adilang sub county in Agago district and is survived by one child.

Col James Dak, Deputy Spokesperson of the South Sudan National Police service told Uganda Radio Network he wasn’t aware of the incident when contacted in a telephone interview.

“Today people are on the holiday of Ramadan and the offices have been closed, I didn’t check the security report. I will cross-check and give you the report” said Col Dak.

The Wednesday incident comes just a month after four Ugandan drivers were shot dead by unknown gunmen on Yei-Juba highway while heading to South Sudan capital Juba.

****
URN