East African Court of Justice, Arusha, Tanzania, 23rd March 2026: The The East African Court of Justice (EACJ) and the Centre for Public Interest Law (CEPIL) have today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to deepen collaboration on promoting good governance, the rule of law and fundamental rights across the East African Community (EAC). The MOU was signed by Hon. Justice Nestor Kayobera, President of the EACJ, and Mr. Francis Gimara SC, CEPIL Director.
The partnership establishes a formal framework for capacity building and knowledge sharing aimed at strengthening the regional legal architecture and improving interpretation and application of EAC law. Key initiatives under the MOU include:
- Joint, specialized training programs for EACJ Judges, judicial officers from Partner States, and legal professionals on principles of good governance and the rule of law.
- Measures to improve quality of justice by enhancing legal representation before the Court and raising the standard of judicial decisions across the region.
- Regular consultations and meetings between the Court and CEPIL to identify emerging legal priorities and tailor training to needs.
Under the agreement, CEPIL will provide funding and logistical support for programs in the EAC Partner States. Both institutions have committed to working in utmost good faith, with monitoring and evaluation built into activities to maximize impact for the legal community and citizens.
“The EACJ exists to advance the rule of law and ensure uniform interpretation of community law,” said Hon. Justice Nestor Kayobera. “This partnership with CEPIL strengthens our capacity to support judges, legal practitioners and citizens across the region, and to safeguard the rights and governance standards that underpin regional integration.”
“CEPIL is proud to partner with the EACJ to translate principles of good governance into practical capacity-building for the judiciary and legal profession,” said Mr. Francis Gimara SC. “By combining CEPIL’s programmatic support with the Court’s judicial mandate, we will enhance access to quality justice and promote respect for fundamental rights across the EAC.”
The EACJ and CEPIL have previously collaborated successfully on trainings for judges and advocates from the region on issues of good governance and the rule of law, and this MOU formalizes and expands that cooperation.
CEPIL is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting good governance and the rule of law through legal research, advocacy and capacity building.
About the EACJ
The East African Court of Justice (EACJ or ‘the Court’), is one of the Organs of the East African Community established under Article 9 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community. The Court was established in November 2001; its key mandate is to ensure the adherence to law in the interpretation and application of and compliance with the EAC Treaty. Arusha is the temporary seat of the Court until the Summit determines its permanent seat. The Court’s sub-registries are located in the capitals of the following Partner States: Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda and United Republic of Tanzania.
For more information please contact:
Christine Mutimura
Acting Registrar,
East African Court of Justice.
Arusha, Tanzania
Tel: 255-27-2162149
Email: cmwekesa@eachq.org