Ezrah Kashumbusha.
NETHERLANDS, January 07, 2024 | In a historic moment, Judge Julia Sebutinde has been elected as the Vice Chairperson of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague. The announcement, made on 6th February 2024, marks a significant milestone in Judge Sebutinde’s illustrious career.
Judge Sebutinde, a renowned member of the ICJ since February 2012, will serve a three-year term in her new role. Her election as Vice Chairperson underscores her revered reputation and exemplary contributions to the field of international justice.
With a rich background in legal practice and academia, Judge Sebutinde has left an indelible mark on the international legal landscape. Prior to her tenure at the ICJ, she served as a Judge at the Special Court for Sierra Leone from 2005 to 2011, presiding over high-profile war trials, including the prosecution of Charles Ghankay Taylor.
Before her international appointments, Judge Sebutinde held prominent positions within the Ugandan judicial system, serving as a Judge of the High Court of Uganda and Chairperson of the Judicial Service Commission. Her extensive legal expertise extends to legislative consultancy, where she played a key role in drafting and amending treaties for regional organizations such as COMESA and IGAD.
Judge Sebutinde’s academic credentials are equally impressive, with a Doctorate of Laws honoris causa from the University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom, and a Master of Laws degree with distinction from the same institution. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree from Makerere University, a post-graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre Uganda, and a Certificate in Legislative Drafting from the University of Columbia.
Despite her numerous accolades and accomplishments, Judge Sebutinde has recently received sharp criticism for her dissenting opinion on the Israel- Palestine contentious issue. Her dissenting ruling regarding the Gaza conflict, emphasizing the need for diplomatic solutions over legal measures, has sparked debate and captured headlines worldwide.
Ambassador Adonia Ayebare, Uganda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, recently distanced the government of Uganda from Sebutinde’s judicial opinions, clarifying that Judge Sebutinde’s ruling on the Israel war in Gaza deos not represent the official stance of the Ugandan government.
As Judge Sebutinde assumes her new position, she brings with her a wealth of experience, integrity, and dedication to the principles of international law. Her election heralds a new chapter in the pursuit of justice and peace on the global stage, reaffirming her enduring legacy in the field of international justice.
