The South Sudan Union of Journalists (UJOSS) has issued a five-page statement explaining the circumstances that led them to file a police case against former employee Mr. Ruot George Mut, who was detained on Monday at the Juba Police Station.
According to the statement, Mr. Ruot had signed a six-month contract with UJOSS in 2023, with his salary funded by contributions from three projects.
In June 2023, UJOSS notified its staff about upcoming contract renewals, effective from July 3rd. However, Mr. Ruot, who was in the field at the time, returned to Juba on July 7th. Upon his return, he was presented with a new contract, already signed by the UJOSS Secretary General.
Contract Dispute: On July 10th, rather than signing the new contract, Mr. Ruot submitted a counteroffer, demanding a significant salary increase, a new position, and changes to the contract. Negotiations took place but failed to reach an agreement. Mr. Ruot then proposed working without a contract, an offer UJOSS rejected.
Escalating Tensions: After receiving a letter of appreciation from UJOSS for his service, Mr. Ruot allegedly threatened to retaliate against the Secretary-General and “destroy UJOSS.” An emergency meeting was convened on July 23rd to address these issues, but tensions escalated, leading to Mr. Ruot’s removal from the executive after he walked out during the discussion.
Legal Action and Allegations: Subsequently, Mr. Ruot sought legal redress, demanding six months’ salary for what he termed wrongful dismissal. UJOSS responded with evidence that Mr. Ruot was not entitled to any salary, as he had not signed the renewed contract.
Additionally, Mr. Ruot filed complaints with the Media Authority and the Ministry of Labour, accusing UJOSS of corruption and wrongful termination. However, investigations by these bodies reportedly found no basis for his claims.
Defamation Allegations and Legal Proceedings: UJOSS further accused Mr. Ruot of making defamatory statements through various platforms, including sending letters to UJOSS state offices and donors. The union claimed these actions prompted them to file a defamation lawsuit against him.
In response, Mr. Ruot asserted that his arrest on Monday was a result of his efforts to expose three UJOSS members who, he alleged, were mismanaging funds meant for journalists’ welfare. He also accused these members of attempting to amend the UJOSS constitution to maintain indefinite control.
While Mr. Ruot denied the defamation allegations, he acknowledged that some elements of the UJOSS statement, including the contract dispute, were accurate. He called on media practitioners to intervene and help resolve the matter amicably through the Annual General Assembly.
