The Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS), through its Unity State branch, on Tuesday distributed seven press jackets to seven journalists from Bentiu 99.0 FM to enhance their visibility, safety and protection while on duty.
The handover ceremony was held in Bentiu, Unity State, and was attended by the Director General at the Unity State Ministry of Information, Gorey Kuol Gatluak, who praised UJOSS for its continued commitment to promoting journalists’ safety and professionalism.
Speaking at the event, UJOSS Unity State Coordinator Chondok Stephen Magei said the donation was made possible with support from the UJOSS national office in Juba and its partners.
“Our UJOSS national office in Juba and its partners donated 20 press jackets and five T-shirts to our Unity State office to enhance journalists’ visibility and protection during coverage,” Magei said. “I urge you not to give these jackets to anyone who is not a journalist or media practitioner.”
UJOSS said it remains committed to supporting journalists across South Sudan and to promoting a safer working environment for media practitioners.
Journalists in South Sudan operate in a highly restrictive and often dangerous environment, with reporting frequently constrained by security pressures, limited access to information and weak legal protections.
Media workers have faced harassment, arbitrary detention and intimidation by security forces, particularly when covering politics, corruption or conflict. Poor infrastructure, low pay and a lack of safety equipment further compound the risks, especially outside the capital, Juba.
Despite these challenges, journalists continue to play a key role in providing information.