East African Court of Justice, Arusha, Tanzania, 16th September, 2024: The East African Court of Justice (EACJ) First Instance Division commenced its September Sessions today. The Court Session, which will run until 11th October, will consider a total of Twenty-Five (25) matters including Fifteen (15) hearings of applications and main references.
The session will be presided over by a bench of five judges from the First Instance Division who include, Hon. Justice Yohane Masara the Principal Judge, Hon. Justice Richard Wejuli, Hon. Justice Richard Muhumuza, Hon. Justice Leonard Gacuko, and Hon. Justice Kayembe Ignace Rene Kasanda.
The First Instance Division currently has a vacancy of three Judges from the Republics of Kenya, the Republic of South Sudan, and the Federal Republic of Somalia. The former Deputy Principal Judge, Hon. Dr. Charles Nyawello from South Sudan, retired in May 2024, while Hon. Charles Nyachae from Kenya resigned in December 2023. A judge from Somalia is yet to be appointed. It is expected that these vacancies shall be filled with the appointment of Judges at the next Summit of the EAC Heads of State in November, 2024.
Due to financial challenges, the Court was forced to call off its sessions in May and June, 2024. This has contributed to the increasing case backlog which stands at over 260 pending matters. The Court continues to engage all concerned in an effort to find a lasting solution to the growing backlog.
The September Sessions will be held at the East African Community (EAC) Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania, the Court’s official seat. All hearings will be conducted in open court, starting at 9:30 am EAT, as outlined in the Cause List which is posted on the EACJ website.
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
Deputy Registrar,
East African Court of Justice.
Arusha, Tanzania
Tel: 255-27-2162149
Email: cmwekesa@eachq.org