Uganda has officially distanced itself from the dissenting opinion of its judge, Julia Sebutinde, on the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling in the South Africa-Israel genocide case. The government clarified that Sebutinde’s views are her own and don’t represent Uganda’s stance.
In a late-night statement on Saturday, the government emphasized that Judge Sebutinde’s position is independent and doesn’t reflect the official standpoint of the Republic of Uganda. The East African nation reiterated its support for the Non-Aligned Movement’s (NAM) position on the conflict, as adopted during the recent summit in the Ugandan capital.
The NAM’s stance, outlined in a summit document, condemned Israel’s military campaign, criticized civilian casualties, and called for an immediate ceasefire along with unimpeded humanitarian access. The Non-Aligned Movement, formed in 1961, comprises countries that resisted aligning with major Cold War-era military blocs, many of which had recently gained independence from colonial rule.
Sebutinde, one of the two judges issuing dissenting judgments, stood alone in opposing all six measures adopted by the ICJ panel. The ruling directed Israel to take action to prevent acts of genocide amid its conflict with Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip. Fifteen judges voted in favor of the emergency measures, aligning with the majority of South Africa’s requests in the case.