Uganda’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Norbert Mao, has reignited global debate over the fairness and impartiality of the International Criminal Court (ICC), calling for urgent reforms to uphold justice on equal terms for all nations.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 13th St. Petersburg International Legal Forum, Mao stated unequivocally that “a court should be a court of law, not a court for settling political scores,” emphasizing Uganda’s shifting stance on the role and operations of the ICC.
“We believe in international justice. But justice must be based on equality,” Mao told Sputnik Africa, underlining his government’s frustration with what it perceives as a pattern of selective prosecutions disproportionately targeting African leaders.
Uganda was among the first African countries to endorse the ICC and even referred the case of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) rebel group to the court in the early 2000s. However, like many other African states, it has grown increasingly wary of the ICC’s perceived bias. The African Union (AU) has long criticized the court for disproportionately focusing on Africa while failing to adequately address violations committed by powerful nations in other regions.
Mao’s comments resonate with a broader sentiment across the continent, where several leaders have accused the ICC of being a tool of Western political influence rather than an impartial institution of international law. The push for reform reflects a desire not to abandon international justice, but to strengthen it by ensuring it is truly universal and not selectively applied.
While the ICC has taken steps to broaden its focus in recent years, including investigations outside Africa such as in Ukraine and Palestine, skepticism remains about the court’s independence and fairness.
Uganda’s call adds momentum to ongoing conversations about reforming global institutions to reflect a more balanced world order. As more countries voice similar concerns, the ICC may be compelled to address the issues raised or risk losing legitimacy in the very regions where it once found strong support.
The message from Kampala is clear: international justice must serve all equally, or risk becoming justice in name only.
