UJOSS welcomes court injunction suspending elections — Eye Radio
The National Executive Committee of the Union of Journalists of South Sudan has welcomed a High Court injunction suspending its planned elections, following a dispute with a faction of journalists over alleged violations of the union’s constitution.
The High Court in Juba on Tuesday 15 September 2026, ordered UJOSS and its Electoral Committee to stop all election activities until the final determination of an administrative review before the court.
The elections had been scheduled for Thursday, September 17, according to a timetable issued by the Electoral Committee. The court order, issued by Judge Manyisto Amosa Wajia of the Juba High Court, followed a petition filed by a group identifying itself as members of the General Assembly of UJOSS.
The group petitioned the court against the UJOSS National Executive Committee and the Electoral Committee, alleging that the electoral process was being conducted in violation of the union’s constitution. The group has accused UJOSS President Patrick Oyet and Secretary General Majak Daniel Kuany of attempting to proceed with the elections without first presenting financial and administrative reports to the General Assembly.
It also alleged that the leadership had not obtained approval from the General Assembly for the formation of the Electoral Committee.
“We strongly reject attempts by the leadership of the Union, represented by the President, Mr. Oyet Patrick, and the Secretary-General, Mr. Majak Kuany, to circumvent the right of the General Assembly to accountability and oversight,” the group said in a statement.
The group welcomed the court order, describing it as “an important and responsible step” towards upholding the rule of law. It called for the General Assembly to be allowed to address the issues surrounding the union’s leadership and electoral process.
“We have also consistently called for the General Assembly to be enabled to exercise its oversight role in accordance with the Constitution and the principles of democratic trade unionism,” the statement added.
In a statement issued this afternoon, Tuesday, 15 September 2026, UJOSS said it had received the High Court injunction and had instructed its lawyers to respond to the matter. The National Executive Committee said it respects the court’s decision and will suspend the elections in compliance with the order.
However, the leadership maintained that elections are an activity of the General Assembly and expressed concern that the injunction could sideline members who had already travelled to Juba.
UJOSS claimed that members had been transported from the states and administrative areas to attend a General Assembly scheduled for Thursday and Friday.
It said a venue had been booked, food and other logistics procured, and preparations made for the General Assembly, including the elections.
“Any concern by any UJOSS member is supposed to be resolved by the General Assembly,” the statement said.
The union said the General Assembly will proceed as planned, but the elections will not be held in compliance with the court order.
UJOSS also said a workshop on “Reporting on Elections” will go ahead from Wednesday, September 16, to Thursday, September 17, at a Hotel in Juba.
The court’s injunction will remain in effect pending the final disposal of the administrative review before the High Court.