East African Court of Justice, Arusha, Tanzania, 21st April 2026: The East African Court of Justice (EACJ) today officially opened a three-day capacity-building workshop for its judges on the foundations, legal framework and adjudication of non-tariff barriers (NTBs) in the East African Community. The workshop runs from 20th to 22nd April 2026 at Salinero Hotel, Moshi and is attended by all Judges of the Court.
The workshop aims to deepen judicial capacity to identify, classify and adjudicate NTBs, and to integrate economic impact analysis into reasoned judgments, advancing consistent, legally grounded dispute resolution across the EAC.
The workshop was formally opened by Hon. Annette Mutaawe Ssemuwemba Deputy Secretary General (Customs, Trade & Monetary Affairs). She noted that “Non-tariff barriers are among the most persistent obstacles to seamless intra-EAC trade and to the full realization of our Common Market,” and underscored the judiciary’s role: ”Courts are not merely interpreters of law; they are essential guardians of regional obligations whose reasoned decisions give practical effect to Partner States’ commitments.”
The Judge President Hon. Nestor Kayobera welcomed participants, outlined the Court’s mandate and the workshop’s objectives, and emphasized judicial responsibility remarking, “the region places great trust in the Court to safeguard the EAC Treaty, promote integration and ensure that justice underpins our shared economic and social progress.” He added, “This workshop has been designed to strengthen our collective capacity to identify, analyse and adjudicate non-tariff barriers,”. Urging full engagement of the Judges, he said, “As Judges of the Court, we are called upon to apply rigorous legal reasoning, to weigh evidence carefully, and to render decisions that are principled, clear and cognisant of the broader interests of the Community.” He congratulated the newly appointed Judges of the Court and called on the bench to rededicate itself to the principles of impartiality, independence and excellence in judicial service.
The key outcomes of the workshop include stronger, evidence-based judgments that remove barriers and support competitiveness, greater judicial consistency and predictability across Partner States and improved coordination between judicial, policy and technical institutions for more effective NTB resolution.
The workshop is organised by the East African Court of Justice, in collaboration with the Directorate of Customs and Trade at the EAC Secretariat.
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