At the invitation of the East African Court of Justice (EACJ), the 1st Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community (EAC) Affairs, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, presided over the 3rd Annual EACJ Judicial Conference. Held in the splendid capital city of Kigali, Rwanda, the two-day conference took place from February 18th to 19th, 2025, under the theme: “Justice, Ethics, and Enforcement of Decisions.”
Unlike previous editions, this year’s event witnessed remarkable attendance from EAC ministers, members of the East African Legislative Assembly, various judicial organs within the EAC, and development partners.
The conference featured a vibrant agenda, comprising numerous sessions with active participation from academia, magistrates, judges, and development partners.
Engaging panel discussions, insightful presentations, and interactive Q&A sessions addressed a wide range of subjects, including cross-border trade, the execution of EACJ decisions by national courts, and the contentious issue of litigating human rights cases before the EACJ, which stimulated significant audience engagement.
Among the distinguished participants were Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga and Uganda’s Attorney General, Kiryowa Kiwanuka.
In her closing remarks, the Rt. Hon. Chief Justice of Rwanda, Domitilla Mukantaganzwa, urged delegates to sustain the momentum of the conference and return to their respective roles with renewed commitment.
She underscored the vital importance of upholding integrity, impartiality, and accountability within the judicial system. Highlighting the multifaceted responsibilities of judicial officers, she reminded attendees that their roles extend beyond the interpretation of laws to encompass the promotion of ethical conduct, equality, and the preservation of human dignity.
By embracing these principles, she asserted, the region can work towards establishing a justice system that serves all its people equitably.
Uganda was well represented at the conference, with a delegation led by Chief Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo, alongside Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga and Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of EAC Uganda was represented by the Commissioner of Social Affairs, Mr. Sebina Edward.
The annual EACJ Judicial Conferences play a pivotal role in enhancing collaboration, exchanging best practices, and addressing key challenges within the judicial systems of EAC member states.
These gatherings offer a valuable platform for continuous dialogue on legal and judicial matters, facilitating the harmonization of laws and the effective enforcement of EACJ decisions.
By convening annually, judicial bodies can monitor progress, identify obstacles, and devise strategies to surmount them, thereby reinforcing the rule of law throughout the region.
Despite notable advancements, the EAC’s judicial arm continues to face several obstacles. Foremost among these is the inconsistent enforcement of EACJ decisions by domestic courts, which undermines the regional justice system’s efficacy.
Litigating human rights issues remains particularly challenging, often complicated by intricate legal, political, and social factors.
Additionally, resource constraints and disparate levels of judicial capacity across member states exacerbate these difficulties, underscoring the necessity for ongoing capacity-building efforts and enhanced regional cooperation.
Rwanda, which joined the East African Community on July 1st, 2007, has made significant strides in various sectors.
As of 2025, the nation boasts an estimated population of 13 million people. Renowned for its impressive achievements in economic development, healthcare, education, and gender equality, Rwanda has emerged as a model of progress in the region. Kigali, its capital, consistently garners praise for its cleanliness, safety, and forward-thinking urban planning. President Paul Kagame, who has led the nation since 2000, is widely recognized for his role in transforming Rwanda into a beacon of stability and growth.
By hosting and actively participating in initiatives like the EACJ Judicial Conference, Rwanda reaffirms its commitment to regional integration and the promotion of justice, ethics, and good governance within the East African Community.
