East African Court of Justice, Arusha, Tanzania, 19th February, 2025: The Chief Justice of the Republic of Rwanda Hon. Lady Justice Domitilla Mukantaganzwa, urged global, regional and national judiciaries to ensure that Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is made an integral part of the policies aimed at improving access to justice.
Making her remarks during the official opening of the 3rd Annual EACJ Judicial Conference, held in Kigali Rwanda, Justice Mukantaganzwa said “It must be recognized as a viable preliminary remedy to conflicts and misunderstandings at all levels nationally, regionally and globally; mainly because of its advantages over litigation,” said the Chief Justice.
Lady Justice Mukantaganzwa, acknowledged that the East African Court of Justice has a unique mandate allowing it to have dual jurisdiction over matters of litigation and arbitral nature. “This is perfect for commercial justice and dispute resolution. Let us be reminded of the profound responsibility that rests on our shoulders as custodians of temples of justice”. She asserted
The Chief Justice further stated that the Judiciary is the cornerstone of any democratic society, and it is our collective responsibility to safeguard its integrity. “We are the guardians of the rule of law, and it is our duty to ensure that justice is delivered in a fair, impartial, and efficient manner. As judges, we are not only interpreters of the law but also guardians of its integrity. We must always strive to uphold principles of justice, fairness, and transparency.” Asserted Lady Justice Mukantaganzwa.
On her part, Hon. Beatrice Askul Moe, Chairperson of the East African Community Council of Ministers, underscored the enormity of the responsibilities placed on the Court cannot be over-emphasized. However, it is also worth noting the challenges affecting the Court such as resource constrains, lack of enforcement mechanisms, limited jurisdiction, lack of adequate capacity building, just to mention a few, which hamper its dispensation of justice.
“It is indisputable that the EAC has made significant strides in advancing regional integration. From the establishment of the Customs Union and the Common Market to the ongoing negotiations on the Monetary Union and the Political Federation, we have demonstrated our collective resolve to create a united and prosperous East Africa. However, these achievements would not have been possible without a strong legal foundation and a commitment to the rule of law.” said the Chairperson EAC Council of Ministers
Hon. Askul commended the judges of the EACJ for their tireless dedication and remarkable work. “Your judgements not only develop jurisprudence within our region but also reflect the values and aspirations that the EAC stands for – justice, fairness, and equality” said Hon. Askul
The Secretary General of East African Community, H.E Veronica Nduva, in her remarks said that, the East African Court of Justice as the judicial organ of the East African Community, it is entrusted with the duty of serving as an impartial arbiter among Partner States, stakeholders, and citizens.
“In recent years, we have witnessed a transformative wave across the judicial landscape. Digital innovations, from remote hearings to the integration of artificial intelligence and data analytics, should assist in revolutionizing the court’s processes, enhancing transparency, efficiency, and accessibility,” said H.E Nduva
“As we look to the future, it is imperative that we harness these advancements responsibly, ensuring that our judicial decisions are firmly anchored in the timeless principles of justice and ethics.” Urged the Secretary General
The Secretary General further added that as the Community works towards increasing intra-regional trade from the current 15 percent (%) to 40 percent (%) over the next decade, the need for a robust, impartial, and technologically advanced judicial system becomes ever more critical. Investors and citizens require the assurance that their rights will be protected, and that disputes will be resolved with fairness and impartiality. The EACJ is in the best position to offer that guarantee.
In his remarks the Judge President of the East African Court of Justice. Hon. Nestor Kayobera, said that this Judicial Conference undoubtedly, represents a significant milestone in the history of the EACJ. It provides a moment to contemplate, not only the progress made over the past years, but also the journey from the Court’s establishment to the present.
His Lordship, acknowledged the goodwill by the EAC Partner States in implementing the decisions of the EACJ, and it is highly valued. “This reflects commitment to uphold the rule of law and emphasizes the independence of the Court.” Stated Justice Kayobera
The Judge President added that despite the challenges, the Court has undergone substantial growth since its inception. These include, increased confidence in the Court based on the number of cases filed, developed jurisprudence, enhanced accessibility.
He further added that, the Court remains committed to improving its visibility and ensuring that, its mandate is well understood by its stakeholders and other users, even while navigating challenges associated with budgetary constraints.
Justice Kayobera expressed his appreciation to the national judiciaries of the EAC Partner States, through the Honorable Chief Justices, for their contributions to the ongoing enhancement of the relationship with the EACJ. “The Chief Justices Forums and the East African Magistrates and Judges Association, serves as significant platforms for discussing and formulating strategies to enhance the judicial systems at both the national and regional levels.” Said the Judge President
“I congratulate all learned counsels, both Private and Government Attorneys appearing before the EACJ, as well as the Counsel to the Community, for their invaluable contributions to the development of the Court’s jurisprudence. Your dedication to uphold the rule of law and ensuring access to justice across the region are commendable.” Expressed the Judge President
The two days judicial conference taking place at the Marriot Hotel, Kigali, themed “Justice, Ethics, and Enforcement of Decisions: A Judicial Pathway for Regional Development,” brought together Chief Justices and judges from national and regional courts in judicature, cabinet ministers, attorneys general, heads of organs and institutions of the EAC, members of the East African Legislative Assembly, lawyers, academia, representatives from civil society organizations, the private sector, development partners, as well as other key players from the East African Community and the rest of Africa.
The keynote lecture, titled “The East African Court of Justice: An Enabler of Justice, Regional Integration, and Development,” by Hon. Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Republic of Rwanda, was delivered by his representative Prof. Eudes Ruhangisa, former Registrar of the East African Court of Justice and was followed by a Chief Justices’ panel chaired by Hon. Justice Alfonse Owiny Dollo, the Chief Justice of Uganda, represented by his Deputy Chief Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, on the role of national and regional judiciaries in enhancing their alternative dispute resolution practices, and a panel discussion on Ethical Dilemma in Regional Courts: Ceding Sovereignty, Balancing Impartiality and Regional Interests.
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
Ag. Registrar,
East African Court of Justice.
Arusha, Tanzania
Tel: 255-27-2162149
Email: cmwekesa@eachq.org