Army Spokesman Col Paddy Ankunda.

Army Spokesman Col Paddy Ankunda.

Uganda People’s Defense Forces spokesman Lt. Col. Paddy Ankunda says Uganda has lost 9 soldiers while 12 have been injured in South Sudan since 23rd Dec 2013.

Ankunda made this revelation on social media Tuesday morning.

“Let there be no speculation any more. Uganda has lost 9 soldiers and 12 injured in South Sudan since 23rd Dec 2013″ Ankunda tweeted via @defenceuganda

Col. Ankunda also dismissed claims that rebels loyal to Riek Machar had recaptured the town of Bor saying rebels had instead surrendered.

“Talk of Bor recaptured by Riek rebels all false. Tens of rebels surrendered in Bor this morning.” tweeted.

The UPDF has been deployed in the neighboring country to help restore order after violence erupted on 15 December between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and soldiers backing Riek Machar, his former vice-president.

The president accuses his ex-deputy of plotting a coup – an accusation Mr Machar denies.

The conflict has seen reports of mass killings along ethnic lines even though both men have prominent supporters among their rival’s community.

The UN estimates that more than 1,000 people have died in the unrest.