Deputy Chief Justice, Hon. Justice Richard Buteera with Representatives of the International Criminal Court
The Deputy Chief Justice, Justice Richard Buteera, on Tuesday held a meeting with two Representatives of the International Criminal Court (ICC); Ms Leonie von Braun, Senior Trial Lawyer, and Mr Dahirou Sant-Anna, International Cooperation Advisor.
Present at the meeting was Justice Andrew Bashaija, the Head of the International Crimes Division.
The meeting was to discuss matters of cooperation regarding the ongoing proceedings against the former Lord's Resistance Army Leader, Mr Joseph Kony, as well as future collaboration between the Court and relevant authorities in Uganda under the principle of complementarity.
This was, also, to further their investigative activities in accordance with the Rome Statute and Sections 4(1) and (3) of the Agreement on Cooperation and Assistance between the Government of the Republic of Uganda and the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court.
The Deputy Chief Justice said the Judiciary is committed to offer all the necessary support in this cause.
He further noted the need to have more engagements with the Attorney General, the Director of Public Prosecutions, security agencies as well as the local communities.
Adding that; "..because this is not a usual trial, it needs proper discussions and preparations if it is to be well managed because we are concerned about how we deliver justice to our people."
He urged them to put up teams and share ideas as well as make informed decisions, through cooperation of all concerned entities.
Ms Leonie von Braun, Senior Trial Lawyer, thanked the Deputy Chief Justice for the opportunity to meet them and the wise counsel given.
She noted that they plan to meet all the stakeholders and look at the confirmation of charges and will also visit areas of Teso, Soroti and Lira to assess the anticipated logistical challenges such as the security for Judicial Officers, local community leaders and members of the public during the Trial.
The delegation will later conduct an outreach mission to Northern Uganda over the same matter.
In attendance was HW Allan Gakyaro, Personal Assistant to the Deputy Chief Justice.
Posted 12th, November 2024
