Politics 10 October 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda Considers ICC Exit Amidst US Sanctions and Sovereignty Concerns
Uganda has warned it may withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC) if the tribunal prosecves Ugandan citizens, with Foreign Affairs Minister Adonia Ayebare accusing the court of undermining state sovereignty and disproportionately targeting African leaders. This stance follows the US imposing sanctions on the ICC, citing concerns over its jurisdiction over non-member states. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/uganda-threatens-icc-exit-as-minister-ayebare-backs-us-sanctions-5626906
Uganda has issued a strong warning that it could withdraw its membership from the International Criminal Court (ICC) should the tribunal initiate investigations or indictments against its citizens. This declaration comes from Foreign Affairs Minister Adonia Ayebare, who voiced concerns that the ICC is becoming a “rogue institution” that infringes on the sovereignty of member states, particularly by focusing on African officials.
Minister Ayebare’s remarks, made via the social media platform X, were a direct response to the United States’ imposition of broad sanctions against the ICC. He criticized the court for “blatantly undermining sovereignty” and for its perceived selective focus on individuals from the Global South, suggesting a deviation from its original global mandate.
“Uganda will not hesitate to leave this increasingly rogue institution should it ever investigate or indict our people,” Ayebare stated, adding that Uganda, as a member of the ICC Bureau, would continue to advocate for “common-sense reforms.” This position aligns with the US administration’s view that the ICC is overstepping its bounds, particularly concerning the prosecution of citizens from non-member states like the US.
The US sanctions, announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, aim to restrict the ICC’s financial resources and operational capabilities. The US has consistently rejected the court’s jurisdiction over its citizens, military personnel, or political leaders, as the United States is not a signatory to the Rome Statute that established the ICC.
The ICC has condemned the US sanctions as an “assault on the rule of law” and appealed to its 125 member states to defend the tribunal. European allies have expressed concern, with some suggesting avenues for dialogue and others contemplating measures to shield the ICC from US jurisdiction. The awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to former ICC judge Navi Pillay earlier on the same day was noted by the committee as a recognition of the importance of international courts in holding war criminals accountable.