VP’s Office Denies Staff Layoff Claims

By Jenifer James

The Office of the Vice President, Josephine Lagu, has dismissed reports suggesting that employees were sent home without work following her appointment earlier this year.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Vice President’s Office described the allegations as “unfounded and misleading,” emphasising that no staff members have been dismissed or denied their salaries.

“Since her appointment on February 10, 2025, no staff employed under the former Vice President have had their contracts terminated, nor has anyone been denied their rightful salary,” the statement clarified.

The office confirmed that all employees continue to receive their salaries through the Ministry of Presidential Affairs, as outlined by the ministry’s Human Resource Directorate.

The Vice President is currently working from her private residence while her official office undergoes renovation and furnishing.

According to the statement, her daily activities are being supported by political appointees, administrative staff, and employees retained from the previous Vice President’s office.

“The Vice President has the prerogative to appoint staff to support her functions, and the current team represents a diverse group drawn from different states and tribes across the country,” the office emphasised.

The statement further criticised the allegations as an attempt to tarnish the Vice President’s image.

“We strongly believe these claims are politically motivated. Before publishing such information, it would have been appropriate to verify the facts with our office, in line with professional journalistic standards,” it read.

Earlier this week, there was a media report claiming that Vice President Josephine ordered staff to stay home for six months.

President Lagu appointed Josephine earlier this year; she represents the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA) under a 2018 peace agreement and has resumed work in the new office, although it has not been officially inaugurated.