JUBA, September 23, 2026 — The National Employees Union of South Sudan (NEUSS) has filed a rejoinder application at the Court of Appeal challenging the Ministry of Labour’s Circular No. 5 of 2026.
In a press statement dated September 22, NEUSS said the application seeks to join an ongoing legal challenge initiated by the Joint Oil Companies Unions concerning the legality and implementation of the circular and the National Social Insurance Fund Act, 2023.
The union says it previously attempted to resolve the matter through dialogue with the Ministry of Labour, including calls for the cancellation or review of the circular.
According to NEUSS, those efforts did not produce a meaningful response, while new operational instructions were allegedly issued to enforce the circular without addressing concerns raised by workers’ representatives.
NEUSS says its legal team has been mandated to represent national staff working with NGOs, international organizations, companies, diplomatic missions and other private-sector entities across South Sudan.
The union is asking the Court of Appeal to examine Circular No. 5 of 2026 in accordance with the National Social Insurance Fund Act and other applicable laws.
It is also asking the court, where legally appropriate, to nullify Circular No. 5 of 2026 and reinstate Circular No. 3 of 2010.
NEUSS has called on workers in the private sector to remain calm and refrain from actions that could escalate tensions while the court considers the matter.
The union says its legal challenge is not opposed to establishing a national social insurance system, but is instead calling for due process, transparency and protection of workers’ rights in implementing the system.
The statement was signed by Chol Mading, Secretary for Communications and Public Relations of the National Employees Union of South Sudan.