East African Court of Justice, 15th March 2023: The President of the Court Hon. Justice Nestor Kayobera encouraged Criminal Justice and International Relations Students from the United States International University (USIU), Africa to conduct their research on the East African Court of Justice.
In his remarks the Judge President noted that the Court’s Jurisprudence has steadily developed during the last 21 years and as such offers a rich resource for students to undertake research on various legal issues pertaining to the East African Community.
The Judge President highlighted key cases that the Court has handled on Criminal Justice, which include a case filed by Plaxeda Rugumba against the EAC Secretary General & the Government of Rwanda (Reference No 8 of 2010), challenging the arrest and detention of Lieutenant Colonel Seveline Rugigana Ngabo without trial. The Court issued a declaration stating that detention of Col Rugigana Ngabo by the agents of the Rwandan Government from 20th August 2010 to 28th January 2011 was in breach of the fundamental principles of the Community under Articles 6 (d) & 7(2) of the EAC Treaty.
The Judge President further indicated that the Court does not explicitly have jurisdiction over human rights matters. However, articles 6(d) and 7(2) of the EAC Treaty create scope for human rights matters to be brought before the EACJ.
The Head of the team from USIU-Africa, Ms. Racheal Ngumi, thanked the Court for the warm reception and for granting the students an opportunity to attend ongoing court sessions and interact with the Judges of the Court. The opportunity which she said, was a great learning experience for the students and looks forward for further cooperation and engagements.
The meeting was also attended by Judges of the 1st Instance Division and staff of the Court.
For more information please contact:
Christine Mutimura – Wekesa,
Deputy Registrar, East African Court of Justice. Tel: 255-27-2162149
Email: cmwekesa@eachq.org
East African Court of Justice
Arusha, Tanzania