A South Sudanese refugee carries her mattress at Ngomoromo in Lamwo, northern Ugandan, April 12, 2017. (Xinhua/Ronald Ssekandi)

KAMPALA, Aug. 30 (Xinhua) -- The Ugandan military on Tuesday said it had beefed up security on the border with South Sudan after weekend clashes left over 19 people dead.

Brig. Richard Karemire, the Ugandan military spokesperson told Xinhua in an interview that security has been enhanced at Kaya border to ensure the South Sudan warring parties do not cross into Uganda without being detected.

"We have intensified our security and intelligence at the border with South Sudan as we continue to follow and monitor the latest clashes in the country," said Karemire.

"We shall continue to screen all the people fleeing from South Sudan into Uganda. We are interested in knowing the government and oppositions fighters who might want to cross," he added.

According to the South Sudan government, the clashes on Saturday between government troops and the rebels left 19 people dead, including an American journalist.

Thousands of South Sudan refugees continue to cross into Uganda after fighting erupted in December 2013.

Karemire said the military will continue to allow in refugees.

Over 1 million South Sudan refugees have crossed into Uganda, according to new figures by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.