By Chuol Jany
Advocate Tut Tuor, a trained lawyer who graduated from the University of Juba’s Law School, made headlines over the weekend after sharing his unexpected journey from pursuing a legal career to selling traditional sticks on the streets of Juba. His story of perseverance and adaptation has captured attention, leading to a pledge from a prominent colleague to help him return to his legal profession.
His story, initially featured by Doran Media, has now caught the attention of Advocate Hon. Beny Gideon, the Undersecretary at the Ministry of East African Affairs in South Sudan. Hon. Gideon, moved by Tut’s perseverance, has pledged to help him return to the legal profession, a promise that Tut sees as a dream come true.
After seeing the post on social media, Hon. Gideon met with Tut and acknowledged the valuable work Tut is doing to support his family. However, he also emphasized the importance of Tut’s legal qualifications in serving the nation.
“Your current business is commendable, but it may divert you from the career path you truly want to follow,” Gideon said. “It’s not too late to explore ways to bring you back into legal practice where your skills are greatly needed.”
Adv. Tut expressed deep gratitude for the Undersecretary’s attention, noting that meeting someone in such a high position reaffirmed the value of his education and the potential for greater contributions to his country.
“It gives me hope to see my knowledge recognized by colleagues like Hon. Gideon, who are committed to the progress of South Sudan,” he said.
Tut, originally from Rubkona County in Unity State, had shared his struggles with Doran Media, recounting his challenges in finding employment in both government and private sectors after graduation.
Despite his qualifications, the job opportunities he sought in law remained elusive. Faced with this reality, Tut turned to selling traditional sticks used in community dances to support himself and his family.
“My law degree hasn’t opened the doors I hoped for,” he explained. “But I’ve had to adapt and find ways to make a living. It’s not easy, but I remain determined to one day open my law firm.”
With Hon. Gideon’s support, Tut is holding on to renewed hope that his dream of practicing law and establishing a firm will soon become a reality. He calls on well-wishers and colleagues in the legal community to help him overcome the obstacles that stand in the way of his professional aspirations.
This story highlights not only the resilience of individuals like Adv. Tut but also the power of solidarity and mentorship in helping people overcome challenges and achieve their dreams.