Disown "refuse to acknowledge or maintain any connection with"

Disavow "deny any responsibility or support for"

They both seem appropriate to me. Although disown is most commonly used in matters of family, I don't see why the definition couldn't apply to a nation

The judge was the literal child of Uganda. Because she displeased his parents (Uganda), they disowned her. They even disinvited her from all upcoming family birthday parties and witch burnings.

Or maybe they meant distanced,* like it says in article. I don't know, pick whichever version of events you prefer, that's what I always do.

• Uganda distanced itself Friday from Julia Sebutinde...