UGANDA BACKS MUZIGO-MORRISON FOR ICC: Veteran international criminal law expert nominated for December judicial elections. Norbert Mao says her experience and commitment to victims make her the ideal candidate

Uganda has officially nominated renowned international criminal law expert Rosette Muzigo-Morrison for election as a judge of the International Criminal Court (ICC), positioning the veteran legal practitioner as the country’s candidate for the highly competitive judicial elections scheduled for December 2026.

The nomination was announced during Uganda’s national statement at the 24th Session of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute, where the government reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening international criminal justice and accountability.

Delivering Uganda’s statement, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Norbert Mao said the government had carefully considered Muzigo-Morrison’s extensive legal experience and distinguished career before presenting her candidature for one of the world’s most prestigious judicial positions.

Mao described the nomination as a reflection of Uganda’s continued support for the International Criminal Court and its belief that the institution remains an indispensable pillar in the global fight against impunity for the world’s gravest crimes.

“Our nomination of Ms. Rosette Muzigo-Morrison reflects Uganda’s conviction that the International Criminal Court must continue to be strengthened through close cooperation among States Parties, meaningful collaboration with civil society organizations, and the effective use of the mechanisms provided under the Rome Statute, particularly those that protect and support victims and witnesses,” Mao said.

The minister emphasized that Uganda believes the credibility and effectiveness of the ICC depend heavily on electing judges who combine impeccable legal qualifications with practical experience in international criminal justice.

“The Government of the Republic of Uganda is convinced that Ms. Muzigo-Morrison possesses the competence, integrity, independence and practical experience required under Article 36 of the Rome Statute. We believe she will add immense value to the Court if elected and contribute significantly to ensuring that it performs its mandate effectively and efficiently,” Mao added.

Distinguished International Career

Muzigo-Morrison brings decades of experience in international criminal law, having served in several of the world’s most important international judicial institutions.

Her career has seen her work with the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY), where she gained extensive experience handling complex war crimes and crimes against humanity cases arising from the Balkan conflicts.

She also served at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), which prosecuted those responsible for the 1994 Rwandan genocide, one of the darkest chapters in modern African history.

Her expertise further expanded through her work with the Special Court for Sierra Leone, a hybrid tribunal established to prosecute those bearing the greatest responsibility for atrocities committed during Sierra Leone’s brutal civil war.

Beyond the ad hoc tribunals, Muzigo-Morrison has worked directly with the International Criminal Court itself, giving her rare institutional knowledge of the Court’s legal procedures, operational framework and evolving jurisprudence.

She also contributed to the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Libya, where she participated in investigations into alleged violations of international humanitarian law and human rights committed during the country’s conflict.

Government officials say this breadth of experience across multiple international courts and commissions distinguishes her from many other candidates expected to contest the December elections.

Champion of Victims’ Rights

One of the defining features of Muzigo-Morrison’s career has been her commitment to advancing justice for victims of conflict, particularly women and children.

She is internationally recognized for her work addressing sexual and gender-based violence, crimes against children and developing systems that safeguard victims and witnesses participating in international criminal proceedings.

Her contributions have helped shape modern approaches to witness protection and victim support within international criminal law, areas increasingly regarded as central to successful prosecutions before international courts.

Justice Minister Mao said these credentials make her particularly well suited to serve on the ICC bench at a time when the Court continues to confront increasingly complex cases involving vulnerable communities.

“Her professional record demonstrates not only exceptional legal ability but also a deep understanding of the human impact of international crimes. She has consistently advocated for justice that places victims and survivors at the center of international criminal proceedings,” Mao noted.

Legal analysts observe that judges with practical experience in victim participation and witness protection remain highly valued within the ICC, given the sensitive nature of many cases before the Court.

Meeting the Rome Statute Requirements

Uganda’s nomination also highlights the legal qualifications required of all ICC judges under Article 36 of the Rome Statute.

The provision requires candidates to possess high moral character, impartiality and integrity, while also demonstrating established competence in criminal law, criminal procedure or relevant areas of international law.

Candidates are further expected to have substantial practical experience either as judges, prosecutors, advocates or in comparable legal capacities.According to the Ugandan government, Muzigo-Morrison satisfies each of these requirements through decades of service across multiple international judicial institutions.

Her experience spans investigations, prosecutions, victim participation, witness protection and judicial administration—an unusually broad portfolio that officials believe will strengthen her candidacy.Mao said Uganda remains confident that her combination of legal expertise and operational experience makes her an ideal candidate to serve on the ICC bench.

Uganda’s Continued Engagement with the ICC

Uganda has maintained a complex but significant relationship with the International Criminal Court since becoming one of the early States Parties to the Rome Statute.The country was also the first to refer a situation to the ICC when it sought the Court’s intervention in crimes committed during the conflict involving the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA).

Over the years, Uganda has continued participating in the Assembly of States Parties while contributing to discussions on reforms aimed at improving the Court’s effectiveness, efficiency and responsiveness to victims.

Government officials say the nomination of Muzigo-Morrison demonstrates Uganda’s continued commitment to strengthening international justice institutions through qualified African leadership.

They argue that African legal professionals possess invaluable experience dealing with some of the world’s most complex post-conflict justice challenges and should play a greater role in shaping international criminal jurisprudence.

December Elections

The elections for ICC judges are expected to take place during the Assembly of States Parties in December 2026, where member states will elect new judges to serve on the Court.

Successful candidates will join the ICC bench responsible for hearing cases involving genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression committed under the Court’s jurisdiction.

Competition for the available judicial positions is expected to be intense, with nominees from across the world seeking election.

Uganda, however, believes Muzigo-Morrison’s distinguished record, extensive courtroom experience and long-standing contribution to international criminal justice make her a strong contender.

As campaigning among States Parties gathers momentum ahead of the December vote, the government says it will actively engage with fellow member states to build support for Uganda’s nominee.

Should she be elected, Muzigo-Morrison would further cement Uganda’s contribution to international justice while bringing decades of experience in international criminal law, victim protection and judicial practice to one of the world’s most important courts.

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Pius Kiyimba: Kiyimba Pius is a senior editor at The Investigator. He joined in 2018. His journalism background includes writing for both business and human rights. Connect with him by email: [email protected]