The East African Court of Justice (EACJ) will mark 25 years of advancing regional justice and strengthening the rule of law in East Africa, with a renewed focus on expanding its role in resolving disputes arising from trade, investment and regional integration.
The Court will commemorate the milestone on November 12, 2026, at the East African Community (EAC) Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania, under the theme, “25 Years of the East African Court of Justice: From Foundation to Future.”
The anniversary comes as the regional judicial institution seeks to assess its achievements, address challenges affecting the enforcement of its decisions and strengthen its capacity to serve citizens and businesses across the Community’s eight Partner States.
Speaking during a press conference at the EAC Headquarters, EACJ President Justice Nestor Kayobera said the anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on the Court’s contribution to regional justice while examining areas requiring institutional reforms.
“Twenty-five years ago, a promise was made that in East Africa, justice would be the light that guides citizens towards a prosperous Region. The Court is inviting the people of East Africa to celebrate that journey and to question it, because a great court does not fear scrutiny; it grows through it,” said Justice Kayobera.
Established in November 2001 under Article 9 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community, the EACJ is the Community’s judicial organ, mandated to ensure adherence to the law in the interpretation, application and compliance with the Treaty.
Over the past quarter-century, the Court has developed regional jurisprudence through its judgments and precedents, providing a legal mechanism for resolving disputes and addressing questions concerning the implementation of the EAC Treaty.
Its mandate also provides individuals and other eligible parties with a regional avenue to challenge actions and decisions that may violate the Treaty, reinforcing accountability and the rule of law beyond national judicial systems.
The anniversary will place particular emphasis on strengthening the implementation and enforcement of court decisions, an important consideration as regional integration increases cross-border commercial activities and legal relationships.
Three panel discussions will examine the Court’s institutional development, its early jurisprudence and future direction. Discussions will also explore enforcement of its decisions, the possible extension of its jurisdiction to trade, investment and monetary matters, and the role of regional dispute resolution in supporting commercial justice.
The discussions are expected to highlight the importance of an effective regional judicial framework in creating confidence among investors, businesses and citizens operating across national borders.
A stronger regional justice system could also contribute to predictable legal processes, improved accountability and a more favourable environment for cross-border investment and trade, particularly as the EAC advances its regional economic integration agenda.
The commemorations will also provide a platform for presenting the EACJ Strategic Plan for 2026/2027–2031/2032, which will outline the institution’s priorities for the next five years.
Uganda’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, who chairs the EAC Council of Ministers, is expected to officially open the event.
The EAC Secretary General, Ambassador Stephen P. Mbundi, and the Chief Justices of Tanzania and Malawi are also expected to address the gathering, alongside government representatives, judges, legal practitioners, civil society organisations and regional partners.
A documentary highlighting the Court’s 25-year journey will be screened, followed by presentations on key issues emerging from the discussions and the adoption of a commemorative communiqué.
Justice Kayobera said the anniversary would provide an opportunity for an honest assessment of the institution’s performance and its readiness to respond to the region’s evolving justice needs.
The Court has acknowledged support from the EAC Secretariat, Raoul Wallenberg Institute, Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, East Africa Law Society, Pepperdine University and the Government of Tanzania in organising the celebrations.
As East Africa deepens economic and political cooperation, the EACJ’s next chapter will be shaped by its ability to ensure that regional integration is supported by accessible justice, enforceable legal decisions and stronger institutional accountability.
