International Criminal Court chief concludes visit to Uganda, highlights role of communities in war-crimes accountability
The Urban Gazette International Desk
Kampala /Uganda. The President of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Tomoko Akane, wrapped up a visit to Uganda from 20-22 October, during which she emphasised the importance of community engagement and victims’ voices in the court’s processes.
Visit highlights
Judge Akane met with affected communities in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, acknowledging the long-standing engagement of local populations with the ICC’s work.
She described her experience of “the life of an ICC case, and how, at each stage, the affected communities and, importantly, those who bridge the gap between them and the ICC play an important role.”
The visit signalled renewed efforts by the ICC to connect with populations in East and Central Africa impacted by international crimes, and to fortify trust in the court’s processes.
Significance
For Uganda: Given Uganda’s history of armed conflict (including activities by the Lord’s Resistance Army) and involvement with the ICC in past cases, the visit reiterates Kampala’s ongoing relevance in international justice landscapes.
For the ICC: Engagement with regional stakeholders is key for the legitimacy of its mandate; Judge Akane’s comments indicate a push to deepen community-level linkages and participatory accountability.
For victims and civil society: The emphasis on “bridgers” (i.e., civil society actors, community organisations) underscores how non-state actors facilitate justice delivery and help translate international processes into local impact.
Broader context
While Uganda has participated in ICC-related processes, challenges remain: delayed investigations, questions of national-versus-international jurisdictions, and the need for outreach to remote communities. The visit may indicate an ICC pivot toward more grassroots partnerships in Africa.
What to watch
Whether the ICC will launch new outreach or investigations in East Africa following this visit.
How Ugandan civil society reacts—whether they feel invited into more meaningful roles or remain critical of international justice mechanisms.
Government response: whether Uganda will facilitate greater access, cooperation or reform of domestic justice systems in alignment with ICC objectives.
Uganda, ICC, international justice, Tomoko Akane, conflict-affected communities
