JUBA — The High Court in Central Equatoria State has ordered the suspension of all election activities of the Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) pending the final determination of an administrative review case filed by some members of the General Assembly over alleged violations of the union’s constitution.
In an injunction order dated September 14, 2026, the court directed the bailiff clerk, through the Court Police, to stop any activities related to the UJOSS elections until the administrative review is finally disposed of.
The case, registered as Administrative Review No. 11/2026, was filed by members of the UJOSS General Assembly against the National Committee of the Union of Journalists of South Sudan and the UJOSS Electoral Committee.
The order was signed by Judge Mangisto Amosa Wajia, a High Court Judge.
The court directed that the injunction remain in force pending the final determination of the administrative review before the High Court in Juba.
The order comes as UJOSS had been preparing for its General Assembly and leadership elections on 17 August, 2026, with members expected to elect new office bearers for the next leadership term.
The injunction effectively puts the election process on hold until the court makes a final determination on the issues raised in the administrative review.
Members of the General Assembly welcomed the High Court’s decision to suspend all electoral activities, describing it as a vital step toward upholding the rule of law.
“We consider this judicial decision an important and responsible step that will contribute to upholding the rule of law, safeguarding democratic principles, and putting an end to practices that threaten the unity, credibility, and independence of the Union,” the group said in a statement issued on Tuesday.
The group said the court order followed repeated calls for the Union’s Executive Committee to resolve the ongoing dispute over the UJOSS Constitution and comply with an order issued by the Registrar at the Ministry of Justice, which it described as the competent authority.
“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 group rejected what it described as attempts by UJOSS leadership, led by President Oyet Patrick and Secretary-General Majak Kuany, to circumvent the General Assembly’s right to accountability and oversight by proceeding with the electoral process without presenting the required financial and administrative reports to the Assembly.
“The conduct of elections within any democratic institution cannot serve as a substitute for accountability. Likewise, the legitimacy of any election does not derive merely from holding it, but rather from the extent to which it complies with the law, the Constitution, and the principles of transparency, integrity, and democratic participation.”
The group said the decision of the Supreme Court represents a valuable opportunity to correct the course of the Union of Journalists of South Sudan and to rebuild its institutions on sound legal and democratic foundations that guarantee transparency, credibility, integrity, and accountability.
“We further call upon all members of the Union, journalists, media institutions, civil society organizations, and relevant stakeholders to stand firmly for the rule of law, defend the independence of the Union and its institutions, and reject any attempt to impose a fait accompli or undermine the will of the General Assembly under any pretext.”
for his part, Oyet Patrick Charles, president of the Union of Journalists of South Sudan, said they will suspend their planned elections following an injunction issued by the High Court in Central Equatoria State.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Oyet said the leadership respects the court’s decision and has instructed its lawyers to respond to the matter accordingly.
He, however, said the leadership remains committed to holding the General Assembly, arguing that elections are an activity conducted within the Assembly.
Oyet said the court order had effectively sidelined members of the General Assembly who had already travelled to Juba to participate in the scheduled activities.
He said UJOSS had organized a General Assembly meeting for Thursday and Friday, September 17–18, and had transported members from states and administrative areas to Juba.
According to Oyet, the union had also booked a venue, procured food, and made other logistical preparations for the General Assembly, including arrangements for the elections.
He said the union would instead proceed with a workshop on “Reporting on Elections” scheduled for September 16–17 at Gelila Hotel in Juba.
“We respect the decision of the court, and we have instructed our lawyers to respond accordingly,” Oyet said.
