Julia Sebutinde is gaining attention for being the Ugandan judge who opposed emergency measures South Africa proposed against Israel concerning its actions in Gaza.

She stood alone in her dissent. Currently serving her second term on the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Sebutinde holds the distinction of being the first African woman on the ICJ.

In her 11-page dissent, Sebutinde argued that the conflict is fundamentally a political one between Israel and Palestine throughout history.

She asserted that instructing Israel to take every possible action to prevent genocide merely echoes its existing international law obligations.

Additionally, Sebutinde criticized the use of provocative statements by senior Israeli officials, deeming them out of context and directed towards Hamas rather than the Palestinian people.

The Ugandan government has clarified that Sebutinde’s ICJ ruling does not reflect the official stance of the Ugandan government.

Early Years and Education

Julia Sebutinde, born on 28 February 1954 in Uganda, embarked on a remarkable journey in the field of law.

Her educational path was marked by dedication, attending Lake Victoria Primary School, Gayaza High School, King’s College Budo, and graduating from Makerere University with a Bachelor of Laws in 1977.

She furthered her legal knowledge by obtaining a Diploma in Legal Practice in 1978 and a Master of Laws from the University of Edinburgh in 1991.

Career

Starting her career in the Ministry of Justice in the Government of Uganda from 1978 to 1990, Sebutinde’s commitment to legal excellence was evident.

She then expanded her horizons, working in the Ministry of the Commonwealth and later joining the Ministry of Justice in the Republic of Namibia after its independence.

In 1996, she was appointed as a Judge of the High Court of Uganda.

International Assignments and the Special Court for Sierra Leone

Sebutinde’s career took an international turn in 2005 when she was seconded from the Ugandan government to the Special Court on Sierra Leone, established by the United Nations.

Notably presiding over Courtroom II, she oversaw the case against former Liberian leader Charles Taylor, making significant contributions to international justice.

The ICJ Journey

In 2011, Sebutinde’s pivotal moment arrived during the ICJ judges’ election.

Nominated by the national groups of Croatia, Denmark, and Uganda, she secured an absolute majority in both the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council, earning her a historic seat on the ICJ.

This marked her as the first African woman to sit on this esteemed international tribunal.

Personal Life

Married to John Bagunywa Sebutinde and reportedly a mother of two daughters, Julia Sebutinde stands as a trailblazer in the legal arena.

At 69 years old in January 2024, she continues to leave an indelible mark on the global legal community, embodying excellence and dedication in her pursuit of justice.

Beyond her legal accomplishments, Julia Sebutinde is known for her love of music, soccer, and swimming.

With a palate for Indian cuisine, she balances her legal career with roles as the Chancellor at Muteesa I Royal University and the International Health Sciences University in Kampala since 2008.

In 2009, her outstanding contributions to international justice were acknowledged with an honorary Doctor of Laws by the University of Edinburgh.

Julia Sebutinde Net Worth

Julia Sebutinde is a successful Judge with a net worth that is estimated to exceed $1 million.

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