ICJ Judge Sebutinde says she was guided by God to oppose ruling against Israel

A Christian Ugandan judge who voted against the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling in the genocide case against Israel has claimed she was 'divinely ordained' to do so, describing the Gaza war as a sign of the 'End Times.'

Speaking at a recent church event, Justice Julia Sebutinde revealed that she faced sharp criticism in Uganda after her dissenting opinion in the case, in which the ICJ ordered Israel to comply with six emergency measures sought by South Africa to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

In January, the ICJ’s 17-judge panel voted on the measures, with even an Israeli judge supporting two of them. Sebutinde, however, opposed all six.

While the ruling was widely welcomed by pro-Palestinian advocates, her dissent drew backlash, with critics accusing her of being a Christian Zionist and biased in favor of Israel.

Uganda’s permanent representative to the United Nations also distanced the government from her stance, reiterating that Uganda’s position on Palestine is reflected in its voting record at the UN.

Read more: ICJ orders Israel to end occupation of Palestinian territories "as rapidly as possible"

Responding to the criticism for the first time, the 71-year-old judge admitted that her decision was influenced by her personal beliefs.

"There is something I want to share, I have a very strong conviction that we are in the End Times. The signs are being shown in the Middle East. I want to be on te right side of history. I am convinced that time is running out. I would encourage you to follow developments in Israel. I am humbled that God has allowed to be a part of the last days," she added. 

“There are now about 20 countries against Israel… the Lord is counting on me to stand on the side of Israel. The whole world is against Israel, including my country,” she said.

Also check: ICJ orders Israel to take steps to prevent acts of genocide in Gaza

According to the Bible, Jesus Christ's return to Earth will signal the beginning of the End Times, when the world will near its end.

The ICJ case against Israel remains ongoing, with a final verdict expected no earlier than 2027. Israel has until January 2026 to submit its defense.