South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Jenifer James
The Defense lawyer for former employees of UAP Insurance Company Marko Reech Chan, said that the next court session will focus on cross-examining the testimony presented by the Managing Director of UAP Insurance.
In an interview with the Dawn Newspaper following the hearing, Chan confirmed that the session will address the managing director’s testimony and the evidence supporting UAP’s position.
“Today’s session was scheduled for the hearing of the defense case, and we successfully proceeded with the testimony of the Managing Director of UAP; he presented all the evidence on his side,” Chan said.
The hearing, which lasted more than two hours, was adjourned after the defense concluded its presentation. The next session is set for May 9, when the plaintiffs’ advocate is expected to cross-examine the managing director.
“I will be examining the MD on all the grounds he presented before the court,” said Chan. “Especially the claims that he made payments; we will ask him to explain all the procedures he followed in this case.”
Chan added that it is still too early to draw conclusions about the trial’s direction. “As advocates, it is too early for us to predict the outcome of the case,” he said. “We can’t foresee the future of this case; we are just waiting for the outcome.”
This legal battle stems from a strike that occurred in September 2023, involving 57 national staff members of UAP Insurance. The employees protested what they deemed an unfair working environment. In retaliation, UAP management terminated the leaders of the National Staff Association, leading to the current court case.
The Ministry of Labour intervened, issuing directives for UAP to reinstate the dismissed employees and implement salary increases. However, UAP management has yet to comply with these directives, prompting the former staff to seek legal action.
