EAC Court Marks 25 Years Amid Pressing Calls for Reforms and Permanent Home

The East African Court of Justice (EACJ) recently marked its silver jubilee in Arusha, Tanzania, drawing regional leaders, lawmakers, and judicial officials to reflect on a quarter-century of regional jurisprudence. While the milestone celebrated the court’s growth since its inception in November 2001, participants utilized the gathering to spotlight persistent institutional hurdles.

Uganda’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, Rebecca Kadaga, presided over the celebrations representing President Yoweri Museveni. Over 200 delegates attended, including Uganda’s Deputy Chief Justice Moses Kawumi Kazibwe and Malawi’s Chief Justice Rizine Robert Mzikamanda.

Despite boasting an expanded mandate covering eight partner states and a population exceeding 350 million, the court continues to face significant challenges. Stakeholders raised concerns regarding inadequate funding, a growing backlog of cases, and the failure of some partner states to enforce court decisions.

Another critical issue discussed was the absence of a permanent seat. Operating out of temporary premises at the EAC Secretariat in Arusha, the court awaits a definitive location decision from the EAC Heads of State Summit, as stipulated under Article 47 of the EAC Treaty.

Read more details in the original report on Nile Post.