Ministers Mao, Ayebare clash over ICC exit threats, Otunnu’s UN bid
A public disagreement has emerged between Ugandan ministers Norbert Mao and Adonia Ayebare regarding potential withdrawal from the International Criminal Court. The dispute centers on whether the ICC unfairly targets African leaders and how such rhetoric impacts Uganda's diplomatic standing.
Why it matters
The rift highlights internal government divisions over foreign policy and the delicate balance between national sovereignty and international legal obligations.
Combo: Mao (up), Adonia (down) and Otunnu (left).
A public rift has erupted within the government over Uganda’s stance on the International Criminal Court (ICC), following warnings by Foreign Affairs Minister Adonia Ayebare that Kampala could withdraw from the tribunal.
The friction played out on social media platform X, where Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao publicly cautioned Amb. Ayebare against rhetoric that threatens Uganda’s diplomatic interests and international standing. Reacting to recent US sanctions against the Hague-based court, Amb. Ayebare warned that Uganda would not hesitate to pull out of the ICC if it targets Ugandan citizens. He accused the tribunal of turning into an "increasingly rogue institution" that undermines state sovereignty and focuses unfairly on African leaders.
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