“My political rise has nothing to do with Kuol Manyang,” claims Atong

JUBA — South Sudan’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Atong Kuol, has rejected claims that her political career was built on the influence of her father, and senior presidential advisor Kuol Manyang Juuk, saying her rise in public service is rooted in merit, education, and years of professional experience.

Atong made the remarks in response to comments by Deng Kuir Bul, popularly known as Deng Junior, the Chairperson of the Twic East Youth Association in Juba. The youth leader had suggested that her father played a role in shaping her political ascent.

His comments were made during funeral prayers for the daughter of Deng Dau Deng, the Member of Parliament representing Twic East County in the Transitional National Legislative Assembly, on Sunday.

Addressing the matter directly, Atong dismissed the suggestion that family connections determined her path into politics, stressing that her entry into leadership came through other mentors and her own qualifications.

“My entry into politics was through Philip Aguer Panyang. It has nothing to do with President Salva Kiir Mayardit or Kuol Manyang. He is the one who introduced me to politics and made me understand what politics is,” she explained.

She emphasised that her father’s long career in government should not be confused with her personal journey, noting that she built her reputation independently despite coming from a political family.

Atong recalled that Aguer, who previously served as governor of Jonglei State, held several ministerial appointments and sought to increase women’s participation in leadership. According to her, this initiative opened opportunities for qualified female candidates.

“He held seven ministerial positions and aimed to appoint two women as ministers. Two positions were allocated to Twic East County, two to Duk County, and two to Bor County, with Amour Pach and myself being named as ministers. Aguer Panyang played a role in my introduction to politics,” she said.

She added that her appointment was also tied to efforts to meet the 35 per cent women’s representation quota, a policy designed to boost female participation in governance.

“I was not appointed for the sake of it, but because of my work. Even if I am the daughter of a politician, I am qualified. I hold a master’s degree, and I am educated,” Atong stressed.

Over the years, Atong has held several senior government roles, building a track record that she says speaks for itself. Her previous positions include Minister of Health, Minister of Animal Resources, and Deputy Governor of Jonglei State, before her current appointment as National Minister of Trade and Industry in early 2025.

In 2018, she was appointed Jonglei State Minister of Information by then-Governor Aguer. Her performance later earned her recognition, including the Best Minister award in Jonglei State in 2023 from Intrepid South Sudan. In 2025, she also received a Quality Leadership Award from the South Sudan Chamber of Commerce for her stewardship of the Trade and Industry ministry.