The post, originally published in February 2022 and reshared after the exchange, lays out the official order of precedence for both national and state government officials. The list ranks serving office holders, from the President and vice presidents to ministers, legislators, commissioners and civil servants, but makes no provision for former government officials.
The post concludes by stating that “the highest Government official available in the function will automatically be the GUEST OF HONOR and will give the last speech.”
Although Lukudu did not mention Napwon by name or add any comment to the repost, its timing came shortly after the former minister publicly challenged the protocol used during the cultural event, prompting many observers to view it as a response to her remarks.
The disagreement unfolded during the Jubek Day celebration at the Bari Community Centre in Juba after Lukudu introduced Napwon among invited dignitaries as a former minister.
Taking the microphone, Napwon immediately objected.
“I am not just a former minister as the Hon. Deputy Governor has put it. So, we need to look into our protocols.”
She urged officials responsible for state functions to familiarise themselves with the government’s protocol manual.
“If we don’t know our protocols, go to the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs, go to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and get a booklet and see where you fit and where each one of us fits.”
Napwon said failure to observe protocol was “embarrassing and humiliating,” arguing that public service should not be reduced to a former title.
“Some of us contributed to this country. We are not just former ministers, but we know what we did; you have to take that.”
She also pointed to her current political position within the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), saying she remains a member of the party’s Political Bureau.
“I am also a member of the Political Bureau of SPLM, and the SPLM members who are here, no one is senior to me; you have to know that.”
Lukudu did not respond during the event. Instead, his later decision to republish the government protocol guide appeared to reinforce the official order of precedence used at state functions, which recognises holders of current public office rather than former office bearers or party positions.
The exchange has since sparked debate over the distinction between government protocol and political seniority, with some arguing that Napwon’s position in the SPLM leadership carries significant weight within party structures, while others maintain that official state ceremonies are governed by the government’s established protocol arrangements.
The incident occurred during the annual Jubek Day celebration, a Bari cultural festival held on July 8 to honour Chief Jubek, the revered 19th-century leader after whom South Sudan’s capital, Juba, is named. The event is traditionally held on the eve of the country’s Independence Day and attracts senior government officials, traditional leaders and members of the Bari community.
