ICC Registrar concludes official visit to Uganda

From 13 to 15 May 2024, the Registrar of the International Criminal Court (“ICC” or “the Court”), Osvaldo Zavala Giler, paid an official visit to Kampala, Uganda, and met with Ugandan national authorities, United Nations( UN) and members of the diplomatic community, stakeholders and members of the affected communities from northern Uganda and Kampala, as well as local and international media.

During his visit, Registrar Zavala Giler met the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Uganda Hon. Okello Henry Oryem as well as the Deputy Attorney General Hon. Jackson Karugaba Kafuuzi, in Kampala. He underlined the importance of continued strong cooperation in the common fight against impunity for mass atrocities.

ICC Registrar also met with the UN Resident Coordinator H.E. Ms Susan Ngongi Namondo and he expressed his gratitude for the strong support the UN provides to the ICC in situation countries. In addition, during a meeting with the European Union  (EU) Ambassadors, he highlighted the importance of the EU and its Member States, as vital partners in fulfilling the mandate of the Court. The Registrar furthermore met with the Dean of African Ambassadors, South Africa’s High Commissioner H.E. Ms Lulama Xingwana to discuss the key role that African States Parties play in supporting the Court.

During his 3-day visit, Registrar Zavala Giler held a media briefing with 35 local and international journalists from key media houses in Kampala and Gulu. He also met with stakeholders and members of the affected communities from northern Uganda and Kampala. “Local voices make justice processes come alive and make them meaningful, ICC Registrar Zavala Giler said.

While in Kampala, Uganda, the ICC Registrar also engaged the ICC country office’s team, noting that the work of the office is invaluable for effectively carrying out the mandate of the Court.

Background: The situation in Uganda was referred to the ICC by the Ugandan government in December 2003 and the Prosecutor opened an investigation in July 2004. On 1 December 2023, the Prosecutor announced that the investigation phase in the Uganda situation has been concluded. Two ICC cases are ongoing regarding the Uganda situation: The Prosecutor v. Joseph Kony (pre-trial stage) and The Prosecutor v. Dominic Ongwen (reparations stage).

For further information, please contact Fadi El Abdallah, Spokesperson and Head of Public Affairs Unit, International Criminal Court, by telephone at: +31 (0)70 515-9152 or +31 (0)6 46448938 or by e-mail at: [email protected]

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