Kiir restated the requirement on Saturday, October 10, while briefing an expanded caretaker government meeting in the capital, Juba, on his recent diplomatic visits to Kenya and South Africa.
“President Kiir further reiterated his directive requiring holders of constitutional offices to obtain permission before travelling, emphasizing accountability and continuity in the conduct of government business,” a statement issued by the office of the President reads in part.
The announcement follows the circulation of a document dated October 3 that reportedly restricts foreign travel by senior government officials and members of the organised forces for three months without presidential approval. However, the document’s authenticity and implementation have not been independently verified.
The reported restrictions have raised questions about the scope of the travel requirement, including which officials are affected and how the directive will be enforced.
Kiir’s latest remarks came after a six-day diplomatic tour of Kenya and South Africa, where he held talks with Presidents William Ruto and Cyril Ramaphosa on bilateral relations, the peace process and preparations for South Sudan’s forthcoming elections.
During his meeting with Ruto in Nairobi on October 5, discussions focused on electoral preparations and regional support for the planned polls. Kenya expressed readiness to provide assistance to South Sudan’s electoral process, according to the South Sudanese government.
In Pretoria, Kiir met Ramaphosa on October 7. The South African president emphasised the importance of implementing the 2018 peace agreement and ensuring an inclusive electoral process based on trust and cooperation among political stakeholders.
The diplomatic engagements come at a critical period for South Sudan, which is preparing to hold elections on December 22, 2026, after years of delays since gaining independence in 2011.
On September 22, Kiir dissolved the transitional unity government and the country’s legislative assemblies and dismissed the five vice-presidents, leaving a caretaker administration to oversee government affairs.
A two-week inter-party dialogue subsequently concluded in Juba on October 7, with discussions focusing on election-related issues and preparations for the polls.
During Saturday’s expanded caretaker government meeting, officials reviewed the outcomes of Kiir’s foreign visits, progress in the inter-party dialogue and security preparations for the electoral period. The government also reaffirmed its commitment to holding elections in December.
The requirement for officials to seek presidential permission before travelling abroad comes as the country navigates its political transition and prepares for the planned vote.
South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit has reiterated that government officials holding constitutional offices must obtain permission before travelling abroad, as the country prepares for elections scheduled for December 2026.
The IOM described the incident as one of the deadliest shipwrecks recorded along the Eastern Route, which connects the Horn of Africa to the Arabian Peninsula.
The disaster highlights the dangers facing migrants travelling along the route in search of employment and better living conditions. The boat capsized during the sea crossing, leaving dozens of people missing as search and rescue efforts continued.
The UN Resident Coordinator in Djibouti, Jose Barahona, said he was deeply saddened by the loss of at least 139 lives, including children.
“Our thoughts are with the victims, the survivors and the families waiting for news of their loved ones,” Barahona said in a social media post. “We express our solidarity and welcome the ongoing search and rescue efforts.”
The IOM also called for greater action to prevent further deaths along the migration corridor, urging governments and donors to expand safe and legal migration options.
“We cannot keep treating these deaths as normal. Safe and legal pathways save lives. I am asking governments and donors to act before the next boat goes down,” the organisation said.
More than 900 people died or went missing along the Eastern Route in 2025, according to figures cited by the IOM.
The route is frequently used by migrants travelling from Ethiopia through Djibouti to Yemen. Despite the risks, many continue to undertake the crossing in the hope of finding work and improving their living conditions.
The journey exposes migrants to serious dangers, including overcrowded boats, shipwrecks, trafficking and exploitation. Those who reach Yemen may also face insecurity and difficult humanitarian conditions.
Economic hardship, limited employment opportunities and conflict are among the factors that can push people to leave their homes in search of alternatives elsewhere. For many, the decision to migrate involves weighing uncertain prospects against the challenges they face at home.
The Eastern Route remains an important migration corridor between the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, with Djibouti serving as a transit point for people attempting to cross the Gulf of Aden to Yemen.
The IOM described the incident as one of the deadliest shipwrecks recorded along the Eastern Route, which connects the Horn of Africa to the Arabian Peninsula.
The fire also left two people injured and sent 15 others to hospital after they experienced psychological distress, bringing the total number of people taken for medical attention to 17.
Speaking to Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA), Mugabowagahunde said those affected were recovering well, with only two remaining in hospital at the time of his remarks.
“We extend our sympathies to the families of the 17 people who were taken to hospital. Two sustained injuries in the fire, while 15 experienced psychological distress. All of them were doing well when we last spoke with them at the hospital, and only two remain there,” he said.
The fire reportedly started during welding work on the upper floor of the building, when sparks ignited clothing and mattresses. Efforts to contain the flames were unsuccessful, allowing the fire to spread across the entire upper floor before engulfing the building.
The Rwanda National Police attempted to extinguish the fire from around 4 p.m. into the night, but the flames continued to spread. Footage captured during the incident showed that relatively few goods had been salvaged from the building.
Mugabowagahunde said preliminary estimates put the value of goods inside at approximately Rwf30 billion. Investigations are ongoing to establish the exact extent of the losses.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Local Government, in a message of condolence to traders on Sunday, pledged government support for efforts to restore the facility and resume commercial activities.
Investigations ongoing
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire and are assessing the damage to determine the work required to restore the building.
The investigation involves the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), the Rwanda Housing Authority (RHA), the Ministry of Infrastructure and the Institute of Engineers Rwanda, among other institutions.
GOICO Market was built in 2017 by Gorilla Investment Company, which brings together 89 private investors from Musanze District. Its construction cost approximately Rwf7.5 billion.
The five-storey complex housed traders selling clothing, electronics and other goods, as well as banks and large retail outlets.
More than 1,550 traders operated at the market, which attracted an estimated 25,000 visitors daily.
Goods worth an estimated Rwf30 billion were destroyed in a fire that gutted Musanze’s GOICO market on Saturday, October 10, 2026, according to preliminary estimates released by Northern Province Governor Mugabowagahunde Maurice.
In a message of consolation issued on Sunday, October 11, the Ministry of Local Government expressed solidarity with traders, business owners, vendors and families affected by the fire, which broke out on Saturday afternoon and spread across the building.
“The Government of Rwanda also assures its support and cooperation in the reconstruction of the market to enable commercial activities to resume,” the statement reads.
The government commended the Rwanda National Police Fire and Rescue Brigade, local government leaders and members of the public for their efforts to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to neighbouring commercial buildings.
According to the statement, two people sustained minor injuries, while another 15 experienced distress and were taken to different hospitals for medical attention. Most have since been discharged, while two remain under medical observation.
The authorities are investigating the cause of the fire, the government said.
The blaze caused extensive damage to merchandise and resulted in substantial financial losses among traders operating in the market. The flames spread across several floors, destroying goods and affecting businesses housed in the building.
Musanze Market was built in 2017 by Gorilla Investment Company (GOICO), a consortium of 89 private investors from Musanze District, at a cost of approximately Rwf7.5 billion.
The multi-storey complex accommodates businesses selling clothing, electronics and other merchandise, as well as banks and supermarkets. More than 1,550 traders operate in the market, which receives an estimated 25,000 visitors daily.
The Ministry of Local Government expressed solidarity with traders, business owners, vendors and families affected by the fire, which broke out on Saturday afternoon and spread across the building.
The two-time Olympic champion secured his first marathon victory since the 2023 Berlin Marathon, finishing two seconds faster than the previous Melbourne course record.
The 41-year-old, widely regarded as one of the greatest marathon runners in history, pulled away from his Australian challengers in the latter stages of the race before crossing the finish line at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), where he was welcomed by cheering spectators.
Australian Thomas Do Canto finished second in 2:10:35, while compatriot Reece Edwards took third place in 2:14:33.
Kipchoge said he enjoyed the course and the support from spectators who lined the route to cheer him on.
“On the course, it was really wonderful; I enjoyed seeing people standing, cheering, and shouting my name,” he said after the race.
The Kenyan runner said he deliberately increased his pace in the latter stages to test his ability to challenge the course record.
“I believe that my body is still peaking, still able to compete with the next generation. The oldest athlete is still competing, but I am happy to run with the Gen Zs,” he said.
“I increased the pace after 30km to see whether I can run well and beat the race record. My plan went well.”
Despite having the opportunity to finish faster, Kipchoge slowed down as he approached the finish inside the MCG, waving to spectators who had gathered to witness his victory.
Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya waves to the crowd after winning the Melbourne Marathon.
The race featured a course that partly used the Albert Park circuit, which hosts the Australian Formula One Grand Prix, before finishing at the iconic cricket ground.
His Melbourne victory marked the third stop on his global running tour, an initiative he announced in 2025 to compete in marathons across all seven continents, including Antarctica, over two years.
The project, known as Eliud’s Running World, aims to connect him with runners and communities around the world while promoting the unifying power of sport.
His Melbourne victory followed a challenging start to the tour. He launched his global campaign in May at the Cape Town Marathon in South Africa, his first competitive marathon on African soil, where he finished 16th in 2:13:29.
He subsequently competed at the Porto Alegre Marathon in Brazil on July 12, placing 12th in 2:18:04.
New Zealand’s Camille French won the women’s race in Melbourne in 2:28:25. Australia’s Sinead Diver finished second in 2:28:49, while Ireland’s Nichola Sheridan took third place in 2:29:13.
Kipchoge is a two-time Olympic marathon champion, having won gold at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, held in 2021.
He also held the men’s marathon world record after running 2:01:09 at the 2022 Berlin Marathon, improving on the 2:01:39 he had set at the same event in 2018. His record was subsequently broken by fellow Kenyan Kelvin Kiptum, who clocked 2:00:35 at the 2023 Chicago Marathon.
The two-time Olympic champion secured his first marathon victory since the 2023 Berlin Marathon, finishing two seconds faster than the previous Melbourne course record.
The 71-year-old Pope disclosed the development while addressing worshippers gathered in St Peter’s Square at the Vatican for the traditional Angelus prayer, saying the nodule had been detected at an early stage.
“Recently, during some medical examinations, doctors found a localized nodule in my lung,” Leo XIV said. He added that the nodule was “detected at a very early stage and is well localized,” explaining that his doctors had recommended surgery to remove it.
“The doctors believe surgery is appropriate. Following their advice, I have therefore decided to undergo an operation to remove it,” the Pope said.
The pontiff confirmed that the procedure had already been scheduled for the coming days, although he did not disclose the exact date during his address. He also expressed gratitude to Catholics and other supporters for their prayers as he prepares for the operation.
“I thank you for your spiritual closeness and entrust myself to your prayers,” he said.
According to Vatican News, the Pope’s announcement followed medical examinations that identified the nodule, prompting doctors to recommend surgical intervention.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said the operation was scheduled for the beginning of the week and that the Pope’s expected hospital stay after the procedure would be approximately one week.
The surgery is expected to take place at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, a medical facility that has treated previous popes, according to international media reports.
The Vatican has not disclosed whether the nodule is benign or malignant, and no cancer diagnosis has been announced. A lung nodule is a localized area of abnormal tissue that can have several causes and does not necessarily indicate cancer.
The Pope also referred to his planned pastoral visit to Latin America in November, thanking the faithful for their prayers ahead of the trip.
The visit is scheduled to include Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from November 6 to 17. Leo XIV previously served as a missionary and bishop in Peru before his election as pope.
Pope Leo XIV became head of the Catholic Church in May 2025 following the death of Pope Francis.
The 71-year-old Pope disclosed his medical condition while addressing worshippers gathered in St Peter’s Square at the Vatican for the traditional Angelus prayer, saying the nodule had been detected at an early stage.
Speaking at Rwanda Convention Canada 2026 in Ottawa on Saturday, October 10, Munyampenda said her decision to return was driven by her desire to make a greater contribution to Rwanda, where she believed her education and professional experience could have a greater impact.
Munyampenda, who has lived in Rwanda full-time since 2017, first returned to the country to work for the government for two years before going back to Toronto. She later moved back to Rwanda with her family.
She said her time in Canada helped her develop skills and experience that she could eventually use to contribute to Rwanda’s development.
“For me, I felt like I would have the most impact in Rwanda,” she said.
Munyampenda explained that her decision was not about choosing between being Canadian and Rwandan, but about identifying where she could make the greatest contribution.
She studied at the University of Ottawa before pursuing further education in the United States. She is currently undertaking doctoral studies while leading Kepler University.
She said her long-term ambition had been to equip herself through education and professional experience to contribute to Rwanda or elsewhere on the African continent.
Skills and experience matter
Munyampenda cautioned Rwandans abroad against assuming that returning to the country automatically guarantees success.
She argued that professional experience, practical skills and the ability to meet market needs are essential for those seeking to establish themselves in Rwanda.
“You cannot be successful if you’re not already successful here, and I don’t mean that you’re rich. I mean that you have some experience, some skills that you can sell on the Rwandan market in the same way that you could sell here,” she stressed.
She encouraged young people to invest in their education and professional development before returning, saying they should aim to acquire skills that are in demand in Rwanda.
Among the sectors she highlighted were aviation, energy, agriculture and technical and vocational education and training (TVET).
Munyampenda emphasised that Rwanda needed professionals with experience in the aviation and airline industries, adding that people with relevant expertise could find opportunities in the country’s growing aviation sector.
She also pointed to opportunities for those with experience in energy and agriculture, as well as people able to establish businesses in technical fields such as plumbing and other skilled trades.
However, she stressed that contributing to Rwanda’s development was not limited to businesspeople or investors.
“We don’t just need business people, we need artists, we need educators, we need sports people,” she said, calling on Rwandans abroad to identify how their respective skills could contribute to society.
A role for young Rwandans abroad
Munyampenda also reflected on how Rwanda could better connect with younger generations in the diaspora, particularly those who grew up abroad and may have limited direct experience of the country.
She recounted meeting young people from across Europe at an event in Paris, noting that some had never visited Rwanda and did not speak Kinyarwanda.
The experience prompted her to consider how Rwanda could tell its story in ways that help young people see themselves as part of the country’s future, regardless of where they were born or raised.
To illustrate her point, she drew on the fictional African nation of Wakanda from the film Black Panther, using it as a metaphor for a society whose people work together towards a shared vision.
She compared Wakanda’s fictional resource, vibranium, to Rwanda’s people, arguing that the country’s greatest strength lies in its citizens and their collective contribution.
Munyampenda said Rwanda’s development should be driven by Rwandans’ decisions about the kind of society they want to build, rather than by the expectations of others.
She highlighted accountability, unity and ambition as important elements of that vision, encouraging members of the diaspora to take an active role in shaping the country’s future.
“We have to build this Wakanda that we’re talking about,” she said, urging Rwandans abroad to step outside their comfort zones and become part of the process.
Building a shared future
Munyampenda acknowledged that Rwanda, like other countries, faces challenges, including the cost of living and economic pressures. However, she said the country’s commitment to addressing its challenges and building its future creates opportunities for those willing to contribute.
She urged Rwandans abroad to consider how their professional expertise, education and personal interests could help address the country’s needs.
Her message was that returning to Rwanda should not be viewed simply as a change of residence, but as an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the country’s development.
“Come with us, join us, take your place within our society, whether you are here or there,” she said. “But we are building; join us as we build.”
Watch the video below for more of Nathalie Munyampenda’s reflections on her decision to return to Rwanda and the opportunities available to Rwandans in the diaspora.
The regional tournament brings together nine national teams from East and Central Africa, with the teams competing for qualification to the 2027 Africa U17 Cup of Nations.
Three matches were played on the opening day, with Uganda thrashing Burundi 8-0 before Tanzania defeated Kenya 2-0.
Rwanda played the final match of the day, taking on South Sudan in front of a home crowd, although attendance at the stadium was relatively low. Entry was free.
Amavubi dominated much of the first half, pushing forward in search of an early goal, but South Sudan’s defence held firm to keep the score level at half-time.
Rwanda came close to taking the lead five minutes into the second half when striker Munyembaraga Kelvin broke into the penalty area before being brought down by South Sudan defender Simon Lotelek. However, referee Dick Okello waved away Rwanda’s penalty appeal.
Two minutes later, the referee again declined to award a penalty after Ujeneza Patrick was fouled. He instead awarded Rwanda a corner, which Ujeneza delivered into the box for Shyaka Khalifa to score the decisive goal.
Munyembaraga had another chance to extend Rwanda’s lead but struck the post when through on goal.
Rwanda held on to secure a 1-0 victory and begin their campaign with three points.
Amavubi will next face Sudan on Wednesday, October 14. Sudan are scheduled to meet South Sudan on Monday, October 12, before taking on Rwanda.
The 2027 Africa U17 Cup of Nations is scheduled to take place in Morocco between April and May 2027.
Rwanda U17’s starting lineup.Rwanda’s Ndizeye Isaac challenges South Sudan’s Aleu Deng for the ball.South Sudan’s Simon Lotelek battles Rwanda’s Ujeneza Patrick for the ball.Shyaka Khalifa scored Rwanda’s winning goal against South Sudan.Rwanda got off to a winning start in the U17 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Unfinished assignments, work deadlines, financial concerns and the pressure to meet personal expectations can make the transition into a new week more stressful than expected. For some, even the thought of returning to school, university or work is enough to interrupt an otherwise peaceful evening.
This experience is commonly known as the “Sunday scaries” or “Sunday blues”, terms used to describe the negative feelings that can emerge as the weekend comes to an end and the next working week approaches.
A study published in Frontiers in Psychology on September 4, 2026, explored this experience among employees, finding that it can involve anxiety, stress, fatigue, repetitive worrying and changes in behaviour.
The researchers identified anticipated work challenges and difficulties maintaining a balance between professional responsibilities and personal life among the factors associated with the experience.
The researchers describe the Sunday blues as “a multidimensional weekend-to-workweek transition experience activated by immediate triggers and shaped by broader work-life conditions.”
One participant in the study described the feeling in simple terms: “It’s not very heavy, but I know it’s there.” The statement illustrates how anxiety about the coming week can be present even when it does not feel overwhelming.
Although the study focused on employees in the Netherlands, its findings offer a useful starting point for understanding why the transition from rest to responsibility can feel difficult.
Researchers describe the Sunday blues as “a multidimensional weekend-to-workweek transition experience activated by immediate triggers and shaped by broader work-life conditions.”
The pressure of having life figured out
For young people, the anxiety surrounding a new week may extend beyond Monday’s schedule. It can also reflect broader concerns about the future, particularly among those navigating university, early careers and financial independence.
Students may spend Sunday evening worrying about examinations, unfinished assignments or whether they are doing enough to secure opportunities after graduation. Those entering the workforce may be concerned about performance, job security, meeting expectations or balancing work with their personal lives.
These pressures can become more difficult to manage when young people compare their progress with that of their peers, especially on social media, where career achievements, business ventures and seemingly successful lifestyles are frequently displayed.
The result can be a sense that there is always something more to accomplish, even when a person has made meaningful progress, so rather than viewing Sunday as an opportunity to recover from the previous week, some may spend it worrying about the demands of the next one.
A participant in the study captured how the feeling can intensify as the weekend draws to a close, saying, “As the time is approaching, the negative emotion is getting more.”
The pressure to be productive can also affect how young people spend their weekends. And some young people feel compelled to use every available hour to study, work, pursue side hustles or catch up on responsibilities.
Others may spend their free time worrying about what they have not accomplished, making it difficult to enjoy the break they have been waiting for. When the weekend ends, they may feel that they have neither rested sufficiently nor completed everything they intended to do.
The September 2026 study on the Sunday blues highlights how dissatisfaction with the weekend and concerns about upcoming work can contribute to this experience. It also points to the importance of maintaining boundaries between professional responsibilities and personal time.
One participant also described the frustration of trying to meet personal expectations, saying, “The overwhelmed feeling of not being able to do all the things I want to do, that’s relatively a recurring feeling …”
This suggests that preparing for a productive week does not necessarily mean filling every hour with tasks. Allowing time for rest and enjoyable activities can also be part of preparing for the days ahead.
Although it may not be possible to eliminate every source of stress, a few practical changes can make the transition into a new week more manageable.
Plan without overwhelming yourself. Setting aside a short period on Sunday to review the coming week’s commitments can help make responsibilities feel more organised.
A simple list of priorities may be more useful than trying to plan every hour. Protect time for rest. Taking a break should not always depend on finishing every task. Making time for family, friends, hobbies or quiet activities can help create a healthier balance between responsibilities and personal life.
Maintain realistic expectations. A new week does not have to begin with everything perfectly organised. Focusing on a few important priorities can be more sustainable than expecting immediate progress in every area of life.
Guidance from the UK’s National Health Service on work-related stress similarly recommends identifying the sources of stress, focusing on what can be changed, setting boundaries and talking to someone trustworthy when problems become difficult to manage.
Occasional nervousness about Monday does not necessarily indicate a serious problem. However, repeatedly experiencing intense anxiety, persistent sleep difficulties or exhaustion may be a sign that the underlying pressures deserve closer attention.
If the feelings are affecting everyday life, it may help to speak with a trusted person, counsellor or qualified mental health professional. Where possible, students and employees can also consider whether their workload, expectations or working conditions need to change.
Managing stress should not be treated solely as an individual’s responsibility. Supportive learning and working environments, reasonable expectations and opportunities to maintain a healthy personal life also matter.
So the end of the weekend does not have to feel like the beginning of another race against time. For young people balancing education, work, relationships and ambitions, learning to prepare for the week without sacrificing rest can be an important part of maintaining wellbeing.
Monday may bring deadlines, unfamiliar challenges and responsibilities that cannot be avoided. But it also offers another opportunity to learn, make progress and adjust plans, so instead of spending Sunday worrying about everything that could go wrong, young people can begin by asking a simpler question: what is one thing I can do today to make tomorrow easier?
Sometimes, a more manageable week begins with that small shift in perspective.
Unfinished assignments, work deadlines, financial concerns and the pressure to meet personal expectations can make the transition into a new week more stressful than expected.
Foreign Affairs Minister Adonia Ayebare warned that Uganda would not hesitate to leave the court if it investigated or indicted Ugandan citizens, accusing the ICC of undermining national sovereignty and unfairly targeting African officials.
“Uganda will not hesitate to leave this increasingly rogue institution should it ever investigate or indict our people,” Ayebare said in a statement posted on X on October 10.
He also criticised what he described as the court’s disproportionate focus on African officials, arguing that it had departed from its original international mandate.
“The ICC has lost its way, from blatantly undermining sovereignty of its member states by exclusively targeting African officials, abandoning its original global mandate,” Ayebare said.
The minister added that Uganda would continue advocating reforms as a member of the ICC’s governing body, the Assembly of States Parties’ Bureau.
His remarks came after the United States announced new sanctions against the Hague-based court, renewing international debate over its authority to investigate and prosecute individuals accused of serious international crimes.
Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao publicly challenged Ayebare’s remarks, calling for further discussion before Uganda adopts a position on withdrawing from the court.
Mao also questioned the timing of the statement, arguing that publicly denouncing an international institution to which Uganda voluntarily belongs could undermine the country’s diplomatic interests.
He linked the controversy to Uganda’s support for former foreign minister Olara Otunnu’s campaign for United Nations secretary-general, noting that Otunnu’s candidacy relies on a commitment to international law and multilateral institutions.
“But above all, the timing of this statement kills Ambassador @Olara_Otunnu’s campaign for UN SG,” Mao wrote.
Mao added that Uganda should not promote a candidate whose public position on international law could be complicated by the government’s criticism of an institution it has joined voluntarily. He also acknowledged that Uganda has had reservations about the ICC.
He recalled that, at one point, he believed the court’s arrest warrants against leaders of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) could undermine peace negotiations.
On the other hand Ayebare rejected Mao’s suggestion that his position was influenced by United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio, insisting that his views on the ICC were longstanding.
“With due respect Ladit, there is no relationship between the campaign for Dr Olara Otunnu for SG, and you know the facts, and my views on ICC which have been consistent for years,” Ayebare replied on X.
He maintained that the court had primarily targeted African situations, citing Sudan and Kenya, and referred to criticism surrounding former ICC prosecutor Karim Khan.
The two ministers subsequently moved to soften aspects of their exchange. Mao withdrew his remark accusing Ayebare of echoing Rubio’s position, while maintaining that the issue should be discussed on its principles.
The disagreement has placed Uganda’s position on international justice under renewed scrutiny as governments debate the court’s authority and the implications of political pressure against it.
The dispute comes amid renewed tensions between Washington and the ICC following US sanctions announced by the Trump administration.
The United States has argued that the court should not exercise jurisdiction over American citizens and officials because Washington is not a party to the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the tribunal.
The ICC, however, maintains that it has a mandate to prosecute individuals for genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression under the conditions established by its founding treaty.
In response to the US measures, the court described the sanctions as “an assault on the rule of law and on the very foundations of the international legal order,”
The ICC urged its member states to support its continued operations, warning that the dispute extends beyond the institution itself to the broader international legal system.
Uganda remains a state party to the Rome Statute. Its government has not, in the statements cited above, announced a formal withdrawal process.
Under Article 127 of the Rome Statute, a state party seeking to withdraw must notify the United Nations secretary-general in writing. Withdrawal generally takes effect one year after the notification is received, and it does not automatically remove obligations arising while the country was a party to the treaty.
Uganda’s warning therefore signals a possible political dispute over its future relationship with the court rather than confirmation that withdrawal is already under way.
The government’s next steps will determine whether the threat develops into a formal move or remains part of the wider debate over the ICC’s authority, national sovereignty and international accountability.
Foreign Affairs Minister Adonia Ayebare warned that Uganda would not hesitate to leave the court if it investigated or indicted Ugandan citizens, accusing the ICC of undermining national sovereignty and unfairly targeting African officials.
