JUBA – Eng. Benedict Sebit Joseph Lagu, a veteran academia and brother of Vice President Josephine Lagu, who oversaw the 2011 South Sudan referendum, died from an illness in Cairo Egypt, on September 30, 2025, the family announced.
VP Josephine jetted from the U.S. to Egypt to join the family days. Relatives, friends, and well-wishers gathered for memorial prayers held on October 2 to pay tribute to Eng. Sebit.
The prayer service was organized by the Head of the South Sudan Mission in the Arab Republic of Egypt, Ambassador Kuol Nyok, in collaboration with the Greater Equatoria Community and the South Sudanese community in Egypt.
Prof. Eng. Benedict Lagu Yanga was a highly respected academic and national figure. At the time of his passing, he was serving as the Dean of the Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology at the University of Juba.
He is also remembered for his historic role as Head of Data for the 2011 Referendum, which achieved 98.89% votes in favor of the independence of South Sudan. His contributions to education, technology, and the nation’s independence remain a legacy of pride and inspiration to South Sudan and beyond.
The late Prof. Eng. Benedict will be repatriated to South Sudan tomorrow, October 3, 2025, with arrival scheduled at 2:30 p.m. in Juba.
Following his arrival, the body will be taken to the residence of H.E Vice President Josephine Lagu Yanga in Hai Commercial, Juba, where family, friends, colleagues, and the wider community will gather to pay their last respects.
“Your thoughts and prayers mean a lot to the family and the community during this difficult moment,” the family stated.
