East African Court of Justice, Kigali, Rwanda, 11th March 2025: The East African Court of Justice (EACJ) launched a groundbreaking Data Governance Training program in Kigali, Rwanda, from 11th – 13th March at Ubumwe Hotel. This training aims to enhance judicial expertise in data governance, with a particular focus on data protection, privacy, and legal adjudication. The initiative is designed to bolster the application of the forthcoming EAC Data Protection and Privacy Act while fostering a harmonized regional approach to data governance in the era of emerging technologies. Furthermore, it seeks to strengthen judges’ capacity to adjudicate data-related cases effectively while aligning EACJ judicial processes with international data protection standards.
The Training was officially launched by Hon. Justice Nestor Kayobera, Judge the President of the East African Court of Justice, who emphasized the significance of this initiative in ensuring legal certainty and judicial preparedness in an increasingly data-driven world. “As the digital landscape evolves, our judicial officers must be well-versed in data governance principles to uphold the rule of law while fostering economic growth,” he stated. He further stressed that courts play a pivotal role in interpreting and enforcing data protection laws, ensuring that fundamental rights to privacy and security are upheld while supporting innovation and cross-border data flows within the region. Hon. Kayobera also reiterated the EACJ’s commitment to aligning its judicial processes with international best practices, ensuring that East African courts remain at the forefront of digital governance and legal adjudication.
Representing the EAC Secretariat, Eng. Daniel Murenzi Principal Information Technology Officer underscored the importance of equipping judicial officers with data governance expertise to ensure that legal frameworks remain robust and effective in the digital age. “With the EAC advancing its Data Governance Policy Framework and working towards a regional Data Protection and Privacy Act, this training is critical to harmonizing legal adjudication on data-related issues across the region,” he noted. Eng. Murenzi assured the judges that the training, facilitated by renowned data governance and digital law experts, would cover critical topics such as data protection laws, privacy rights, cross-border data flows, digital security in judicial processes, and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in court proceedings.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ms. Christine Mutimura, the Acting Registrar of the East African Court of Justice, welcomed participants and emphasized the training’s significance at a time when data is increasingly recognized as a vital asset in the digital economy. “Proper governance and legislation will significantly contribute to the digital transformation agenda across East African Community (EAC) member states,” she stated. She further highlighted the court’s commitment to ensuring that judicial officers are well-equipped with the necessary knowledge to interpret and enforce emerging legal frameworks governing data protection and privacy.
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