East African Court of Justice, Arusha, Tanzania, 28th March, 2026: The newly appointed Secretary General of the East African Community, Ambassador Stephen Patrick Mbundi, today held a consultative meeting with the Judges and Staff of the East African Court of Justice at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha.
The meeting brought together the Judge President, Nestor Kayobera, Judges from both the Appellate and First Instance Divisions, and members of the Court’s staff.
In his remarks, Ambassador Stephen Mbundi expressed his commitment to strengthening collaboration between EAC institutions. He emphasized the importance of developing coordinated approaches to enhance the Court’s capacity to effectively fulfill its mandate as the judicial arm of the Community. He also reaffirmed his intention to work closely with EAC Organs, Institutions, and Partner States to address key challenges facing regional integration.
Ambassador Mbundi previously served as Permanent Secretary responsible for East African Community Affairs in Tanzania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and was appointed Secretary General on 7th March 2026 by the 25th Ordinary Summit of the EAC Heads of State in Arusha, Tanzania.
Welcoming the Secretary General, Hon. Justice Kayobera congratulated Ambassador Mbundi and reiterated the Court’s readiness to support the advancement of the regional integration agenda through its role as an impartial arbiter in disputes. Justice Kayobera also highlighted operational constraints affecting the Court’s operations, including limited financial and human resources, and noted a current case backlog of more than 360 matters.
The EACJ and the Secretary General committed to strengthen inter-organ relations with the aim of advancing deep integration and institutional efficiency. It was also agreed that both Organs will undertake Immediate next steps to include addressing capacity gaps, reducing the case backlog and mobilise Partner States to pay their outstanding contributions.
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