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Sebutinde’s Landmark Ruling Sparks Diplomatic Repercussions Amid ICJ Leadership Changes

Written by kazofm.admin on January 15, 2025. Posted in Africa.

Julia Sebutinde, the first African woman to serve on the International Court of Justice (ICJ), recently made headlines with her ruling on the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The decision, which dismissed South Africa’s requests for temporary injunctions to halt the hostilities in Gaza has ignited a wave of diplomatic responses particularly from her home country of Uganda.

Born in February 1954 in Uganda, Sebutinde’s impressive career has been anchored in international justice. Following her appointment to Uganda’s Supreme Court in 1996, she garnered attention for leading pivotal anti-corruption investigations. Her international presence soared in 2005 when she joined the Special Court for Sierra Leone contributing to the groundbreaking trial of former Liberian President Charles Taylor.

In February 2012, Sebutinde broke new ground by becoming the first woman from Africa appointed to the ICJ, a role that she has since continued to redefine through her influential rulings. However, her most recent decision concerning the Israel-Hamas war has raised eyebrows, particularly as she characterized the conflict as fundamentally political asserting that it falls outside the realm of the court’s legal jurisdiction.

This ruling prompted Uganda’s UN Ambassador Adonia Ayebare to publicly clarify that Sebutinde’s position does not align with Uganda’s official stance on the conflict, illustrating the complexities of international law at a time of diplomatic tensions.

The ICJ is currently navigating a leadership transition, which comes at a critical juncture. The court is set to hear Israel’s defense against South Africa’s case in July and with the president of the ICJ playing a decisive role in such proceedings, this leadership change bears significant implications for international justice and Middle East diplomacy.

Salam, who was recently elected as ICJ president alongside Sebutinde in February 2024 has also faced adjustment as the Lebanese parliament accepted newly elected President Joseph Aoun’s request for government formation, necessitating his exit. As Salam steps down, the UN will look to appoint a new judge to represent the Asia region, further influencing the dynamics within the court.

As Sebutinde assumes this pivotal position of leadership, she stands at the intersection of vital issues in both international law and global diplomacy making her upcoming decisions crucial not just for the ICJ, but for the broader framework of international relations and justice.

13 year old girl burnt by guardian-Kazo

Written by kazofm.admin on January 14, 2025. Posted in Local, News.

Police in Kazo District are investigating allegations of torture involving a 13-year-old girl in the care of a woman only identified as Judith, who has been taking care of her since she was three. Residents of Bwizi A Cell in Buremba Town council report that Judith has subjected the girl to severe abuse including recent burns to her face, legs and private parts.

The minor has gone days with this excruciating pain but has not had access to medical attention since she experience the burns.

Twine Dan, the LC 1 chairperson of Bwizi A Cell confirmed the abuse and stated that he would take care of the girl until Judith returns from Kinoni Sub County, Kiruhura District where she has been attended a funeral.

Twine took the child to Buremba Police Station where officers advised him to prevail over her care while awaiting Judith’s return.

Sgt. Kwizera Fidel, Officer in Charge of Buremba Police Station, indicated that an investigation has been launched into the matter and the child remains under the custody of Twine.

Police Hunt for Thugs Following Violent Attack on Rubirizi Resident

Written by kazofm.admin on January 13, 2025. Posted in Local, News.

Police in Rubirizi District are actively pursuing a group of unknown assailants who reportedly attacked Bernard Ndagano,45, and stole Shs2,000 from him. The incident occurred in the early hours of January 12, 2025 around 2:00 am in Kasungu Cell in Kasarara Ward.

According to the Police spokesperson for Greater Bushenyi, Martial Tumusiime, the victim sought refuge at his aunt’s house after the attack. She reported that he knocked on her door pleading for help. When she opened the door, she found him lying on the ground severely injured and bleeding from deep cuts to his forehead, left arm and the back of his neck.

The victim recounted that as he was approaching the Rugazi Hospital mortuary, two unknown men started following him. In an attempt to evade them, he took a feeder road he often used to reach home. However, the assailants caught up with him, demanded money and when he attempted to flee, one struck him with a large stick while the other inflicted cuts with a sharp object. The attackers then took Shs.2,000 he had in his left trouser pocket before fleeing the scene.

After the assault, Ndagano managed to make his way home where he was subsequently taken to Rugazi Health Centre IV for initial treatment. Due to the severity of his injuries, he was later referred to Kampala International University (KIU) for further medical attention which included a CT scan.

The police have initiated an investigation into the incident and encourage anyone with additional information to come forward to assist in identifying the suspects involved in this brazen attack.

Byabakama calls for critical data on PDWs ahead of 2026 polls

Written by kazofm.admin on January 12, 2025. Posted in News.

The Chairman of the Electoral Commission, Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi, has acknowledged that the lack of critical data regarding persons with disabilities (PWDs) from the National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda has significantly hindered the inclusivity of the electoral process in Uganda.

In a message delivered by Richard Baabo Kamugisha, the Acting Secretary of the Electoral Commission, it was highlighted that the failure to provide election instructions in accessible formats has made it difficult for individuals with visual impairments and blindness to select their preferred candidates.

Byabakama emphasized that while the law allows for the inclusion of trusted aides to assist PWDs during the voting process, in some cases, these rights have been infringed upon. His comments were made on Friday during a regional stakeholders’ workshop held at Hotel Triangle in Mbarara as part of preparations for the upcoming General Update of the National Voters Register, scheduled for January 20 to February 10, 2025.

Kamugisha noted that the Electoral Commission had aimed to use Braille or larger font documents to facilitate voting for visually impaired individuals. However, the absence of specific data on the number of eligible PWD voters has prevented these special arrangements from being implemented.

He also urged politicians to move away from commercialized politics and the intra- and inter-party rivalries that often lead to violence and division, particularly in the pursuit of political victory.

Robert Beine, the Regional Election Officer, called on the public to actively participate in the forthcoming voter registration update to promote inclusivity and ensure credible elections. He also encouraged students to register before schools reopen, highlighting that voter transfers would only be possible during this update exercise.

The update process will encompass the registration of new voters, transfer of voters, minor corrections, assignment of polling stations and the creation of revised registers for special interest groups.

90 year old man ends life

Written by kazofm.admin on January 10, 2025. Posted in Local, News.

Police in Kazo District are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of Yusuf Kataryeeba, 90, a resident of Keicumu 1, Keicumu parish,Enagari sub county.

Preliminary investigations reveal that Kataryeeba committed suicide by hanging. According to the deceased’s wife revealed that her husband was struggling with estrangement from relatives which made him feel lonely.

Kenneth Taremwa Mukuru, the defense secretary,, urged community members to share their problems with neighbors, emphasizing that this was the second suicide incident in the area.

Alex Asiimwe, the chairperson of LC1 Keicumu1, revealed to our reporter that suicide is not a solution to life’s challenges. He encouraged residents to seek support and communicate openly about their struggles.

UPDF soldier fires colleague dead in Kisoro

Written by kazofm.admin on January 8, 2025. Posted in Local, News.

A soldier from the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF), attached to the 35th Battalion in Kisoro district, has tragically shot dead by a fellow officer in an incident that occurred on the night of Tuesday January 8. The deceased, identified only as Lawrence was a resident of Bushenyi District and sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the neck resulting in his immediate death.

According to sources within the battalion who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the incident took place while Lawrence and the suspect whose identity has yet to be confirmed were conducting a night patrol in Nturo Trading Centre along the Nturo-Nyarusiza road in Nyarusiza sub-county. The two soldiers reportedly got into a disagreement which escalated and led to the shooting.

Following the incident, security officials transported Lawrence’s body to Kisoro Hospital mortuary for a postmortem examination.

Maj. Kiconco Tabaro, the Public Information Officer for the UPDF 2nd Infantry Division confirmed the incident on Wednesday stating that investigations are currently underway. He urged the public to remain calm and reassured that efforts to apprehend the suspect are in progress.

Former opposition leader in Cambodia shot dead in Bangkok, Thailand

Written by kazofm.admin on January 8, 2025. Posted in Across Africa.

Lim Kimya, a former member of Cambodia’s National Assembly and a prominent figure in the now-exiled opposition party, the Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), was shot dead on Tuesday evening in Bangkok, Thailand. The 74-year-old was attacked shortly after arriving in the city on a bus from Siem Reap, traveling with his French wife and Cambodian uncle.

The CNRP expressed deep shock and sadness over the incident, labeling it a “brutal and inhumane shooting.” Lim, who held dual Cambodian and French citizenship had continued to live in Cambodia even as many opposition politicians fled the country due to increasing threats from the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) under former Prime Minister Hun Sen. In 2017, the CNRP was dissolved by the Cambodian Supreme Court, which led to a ban on its political activities.

In its statement, the CNRP condemned Lim Kimya’s killing as an “assassination” and described it as a serious threat to political freedom. The party called for Thai authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the murder.

Thai authorities are actively searching for the gunman who reportedly escaped on a motorbike after the shooting. Human rights organizations have joined the call for a comprehensive investigation. Human Rights Watch’s Asia Director, Elaine Pearson, noted that this “cold-blooded killing” sends a chilling message to Cambodian political activists that safety is not guaranteed, even in exile.

Phil Robertson, director of the Asia Human Rights and Labour Advocates (AHRLA) stated that the murder exhibits “all the hallmarks of a political assassination.” He warned that this act of violence could severely intimidate the many Cambodian opposition figures, NGO activists and human rights defenders seeking refuge in Thailand from ongoing political repression in Cambodia, particularly under the leadership of Prime Minister Hun Manet, who succeeded his father in August 2023.

DRC to execute more than 170 people convicted of armed robbery

Written by kazofm.admin on January 8, 2025. Posted in Africa, News.

The recent transfer of over 170 death row inmates from Kinshasa to a high-security prison in Angenga has sparked mixed reactions in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The announcement made by Justice Minister Constant Mutamba, highlighted that the convicts primarily aged between 18 and 35 have been found guilty of armed robbery and are identified locally as “Kulunas” or “urban bandits.” This operation has raised significant concerns regarding human rights and the judicial process.

While some locals, like Goma resident Fiston Kakule, have expressed support for the government’s decision viewing it as a necessary step to curb urban crime and restore public safety. Human rights activist Espoir Muhinuka emphasized the risks of extrajudicial actions and insisted on the importance of adhering to judicial practices to prevent wrongful convictions and executions. He pointed out that underlying issues such as poverty, unemployment and social exclusion should be addressed in tandem with tackling urban gang violence.

Historically, the DRC has had a complicated relationship with capital punishment. Although the death penalty was abolished in 1981, it was reinstated in 2006. The last known execution occurred in 2003 and since then while there have been significant legal changes and military-related death sentences announced none have reportedly been carried out.

The situation remains tense as the Congolese government navigates the balance between maintaining security and upholding human rights, reflecting broader societal challenges that contribute to crime.

Kateera asks extension workers to be active in 2025

Written by kazofm.admin on January 3, 2025. Posted in Local, News.

Resident District Commissioner for Lwengo district Mr. Turyabagyenyi Emmanuel Kateera has revealed that Christmas and New Year festivals in the district were peaceful and successful.

Turyabagyenyi disclosed this through a message he extended to the people of Lwengo district appreciating them for their willingness to cooperate with the district security team to maintain peace and security by selecting patriotic village vigilantes.

He said Uganda Police Force is thin on the ground and as the district security committee resolved to recruit village vigilantes to guard their own people and property that has successfully made police service delivery more effective.

He commended the entire district local leadership for being patriotic leaders with vision of enhancing team work that will encourage people to work harder and increase their household income which will minimize some cases of insecurity usually caused by poverty.

Turyabagyenyi revealed that in the new year 2025 all sub county extension workers must ensure they take services closer to the needy communities whom they expected to serve instead of the people travelling long distances to the district headquarters for consultation.

He appealed to all the people to effectively participate in all government funded programs to increase value in their household income so that all people get into the money economy to fight and eradicate poverty in Lwengo district.

South Korean police call off attempt to arrest suspended president Yoon Suk Yeol

Written by kazofm.admin on January 3, 2025. Posted in Across Africa.

A dramatic six-hour standoff in South Korea has compelled police to call off an attempt to arrest suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol. The military and Yoon’s security officers formed a human barricade and used vehicles to block the arrest team’s access.

Yoon is under investigation for abusing his power and allegedly inciting an insurrection by attempting to impose martial law in early December. This led to a political crisis, resulting in his impeachment by an opposition-led parliament and suspension from office. A Seoul court issued an arrest warrant for him after he failed to respond to three summons for questioning.

The situation escalated early Friday morning with police vans converging around Yoon’s residence in central Seoul. An initial arrest team of 20 quickly grew to about 150 officers but they remained outnumbered by Yoon’s security and military personnel. Despite half the arrest team gaining entry, they were locked in a standoff and unable to proceed.

The Corruption Investigation Office (CIO) declared that the arrest was “practically impossible,” citing concerns for the team’s safety and Yoon’s refusal to comply with the legal process. Yoon’s supporters celebrated and chanted in front of the presidential residence upon hearing of the suspension.

Investigators have until January 6 to execute the arrest warrant before it expires. This raises the possibility of renewed attempts although logistics may prove challenging due to anticipated crowds. The CIO has opened a criminal case against Yoon’s security chief and deputy summoning them for questioning.

Yoon’s legal team is contesting the warrant arguing that investigators lack the authority to detain him. The political turmoil in South Korea continues marked by wide rifts in parliament and ongoing protests. Since the martial law attempt on December 3, the opposition has intensified calls for accountability leading to Yoon’s impeachment on December 14.

On Friday morning, prosecutors also indicted army chief Park An-su and special forces commander Kwak Jong-geun on insurrection charges related to the martial law declaration. Both are set to face trial while in prison.

Author: kazofm.admin