Parliament can discuss country's stand on ICC

By Vivian Agaba and Nicholas Wassajja

Vurra County Member of Parliament, Dr. Sam Okuonzi has said parliament can discuss the contentious issue of the International Criminal Court (ICC) if it is tabled on the floor and debate on whether the country should pull out of the Court.

“Many of us even in parliament have been divided on the issue of ICC on whether to remain a state party to the ICC or pull out due to its inefficiency. If parliamentarians return from recess and the issue is tabled in parliament, we can discuss it, then forward our stand to the executive for a way forward,” said Okuonzi.

He said the creation of the ICC has not been satisfactory to many Africans about the way justice is served targeting only Africans and therefore, a country can opt to pull out if not fully in agreement with the cooperation.

Okuonzi was speaking during a press conference organized by Human Rights Network-Uganda (HURINET) and Uganda Coalition yesterday in Ntinda.

During the conference, the Civil Societies showed concern over president Musevini’s constant negative attacks on the ICC and calling upon African countries to review their membership to the ICC following Kenya’s president, Uhuru Mungai Kenyatta’s appearance before the court.

Chief executive Director, HURINET, Mohammed Ndifuna, said as Civil Society organizations, are concerned about the president’s constant attacks on the court and asked him to cooperate and respect the court.

“We call upon the president and the government of Uganda to cooperate, respect and comply with the Constitutive Act of the African Union Article 4,”said Ndifuna.

Democratic Party (DP) party legal advisor, Fred Mukasa Mbidde said the president did not receive proper legal advice while attempting to address the nation because it is no longer possible for African leaders to escape jurisdiction of the ICC.

Ndifuna encouraged African States to respect their international obligations and fight impunity as obliged by the Rome Statute and the Constitutive Act of the African Union.