South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"

By Jenifer James
The High Court in Juba has adjourned the court case ongoing between UAP Insurance and former employees to December 18.
The adjournment was made in line with the UAP company lawyer raising a previously dismissed objection, sparking concerns from the plaintiffs’ lawyer, Marko Reech, who accused the defense of using tactics to prolong the case.
Speaking to journalists after the hearing, the defense lawyer for the former UAP staff, Marko Reech, said this session was set for the defendant to respond to the amended plan.
“The court was set for the reply of the amended plan. Unfortunately, they (UAP company lawyer) raised an objection the court had already ruled on. The judge made it clear that the issue was settled and would not be revisited.”
The defense’s objection reportedly revolves around two documents submitted by the Minister of Labor, which they claim are critical to the case.
However, Reech emphasized that the court has consistently dismissed the objection, urging the defense to either appeal the decision or proceed with the case.
“The court has given them (UAP Company Lawyer) two options: they can appeal the ruling to the Court of Appeal, or they can move forward with the case,” Reech said. “From what I’ve seen, the defense seems intent on appealing. But these appeals are nothing more than delay tactics.”
Reech argued that the defense’s strategy was counterproductive. “Instead of stalling, they should proceed with the case and, if necessary, appeal after the final ruling. These delays only harm everyone involved.”
According to Reech, if the defense chooses to appeal, the case will be transferred to the Court of Appeal, where judges will determine whether the court ruling was correct.
The dispute dates back to September 2023, when the Ministry of Labor ordered UAP Insurance to reinstate the dismissed national staff members and implement salary adjustments. The employees, who were terminated after striking over unequal pay compared to expatriates, claim they were wrongfully dismissed.
Despite the Ministry’s directives, UAP did not comply, prompting the former employees to file a lawsuit. Reech revealed that key evidence, including employment and termination records, would be presented in court.
Last month, Judge Francis Amum dismissed an objection raised by UAP’s legal team, which questioned the validity of certain employment records. Reech criticized the defense’s continued objections as a deliberate effort to undermine the judicial process.