KAMPALA– The International Crimes Court (ICC) has expressed readiness to try Lord Resistance Army (LRA) boss Joseph Kony who is believed to be in hiding for now over 20 years. Kony is facing War Crimes and Crimes against humanity.The decision to hold the confirmation of charges hearing in Kony’s absence was a landmark move for the ICC, allowing the case to advance despite his fugitive status.
In September 2025, Pre-Trial Chamber III judges found “substantial grounds” to believe Kony is responsible for all 39 counts, making him the first accused to have his charges confirmed by ICC before being arrested.
“All the information we have from our various sources, indicate that Joseph Kony is still alive, otherwise we wouldn’t have proceeded with trial in absentia process. We can’t give the time within which he will be arrested neither can we give you any information regarding his whereabouts due to security reasons.” Remarked Leonie Von Braun, Senior Trial Lawyer at ICC, while addressing Journalists via zoom.
She called upon victims of LRA war in Northern Uganda and the International Community never to lose hope because Kony is going to be arrested any time and he will face to face full trial before the ICC.
“There has been many cases where it has been taking so long to without getting the fugitives.
We are working with various partners to have Kony brought to book for security reasons I can’t reveal the partners.” Leonie stated
On Kony’s delayed arrest, Braun stated that this has been delayed mainly because, for the last many years, Kony’s movements have been in country’s which are not members of Rome statute and this has delayed his arrest. “The ICC doesn’t have a police or Military force, we rely on partners in arresting fugitives”.
Dahirou Santa-Anna, International Cooperation Advisor office of the Prosecutor at ICC, on addressing the press at Hotel Africana in Kampala, revealed that ICC had issued five Warrant of Arrest against Joseph Kony, Dominic Ongwen and three other LRA Commanders which was later established that they passed on.
That since the ICC successfully concluded the confirmation of charges against Joseph Kony in absensure but represented by his lawyers, the next step will be hearing the cases against him. “This can only happen, if Kony has been arrested or surrenders to ICC.”
He added that the Warrant is still valid untill when they will have him arrested, or receive reliable information that he is dead.
