200 African delegates head to Arusha for EA Court of Justice’s silver Jubilee
ARUSHA: THE Ugandan first Deputy Prime Minister, who serves as the minister for East African Community Affairs, Rebecca Kadaga will represent President Yoweri Museveni in the East African Court of Justice’s Silver Jubilee celebrations in Arusha.
President Museveni is currently the Chairperson of the EAC Heads of State Summit.
More than 200 guests are expected to attend the event on the 12th of November 2026, as the Regional Court is marking its 25th Anniversary since its establishment in 2001 when the East African Community had only three member states.
Announcing the commemorations the President of the East African Court (EACJ), Justice Nestor Kayobera, said the milestone is an occasion for the Region to celebrate the Court, and also to question it.
The EAC, now an eight-country regional bloc, currently has a population of 350 million.
The Regional court started in 2001 with three member states of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania and now grown with eight partners with Burundi, DR Congo, Rwanda, Somalia and South Sudan have been added to the fold.
All the Chief Justices from member states will participate in the commemoration in addition to those from other African Countries,
The East African Court of Justice (EACJ) will on 12th November, 2026 mark 25 years of service to the East African Community (EAC) with a day of commemorations at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha.
The whole day event runs under the theme of “25 Years of the East African Court of Justice: From Foundation to Future.”
“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.
As the judicial organ of the Community, the Court ensures the adherence to law in the interpretation and application of and compliance with the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community, settles disputes and provides citizens across the eight Partner States with a forum to seek justice.
Over the past 25 years, its judgments and precedents have contributed to the development of regional jurisprudence and the protection of rights.
The Official Opening is expected to be performed by Rebecca Kadaga, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs of Uganda and Chairperson of the EAC Council of Ministers.
They will be joined by other Chief Justices, Government leaders including members of the EAC Council of Ministers, Judges from regional and national courts, legal practitioners, strategic partners, civil society and members of the public.
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The programme will feature three panel discussions: on the Court’s vision, institution-building and early jurisprudence; on the implementation and enforcement of its decisions and the extension of its jurisdiction to trade, investment and monetary matters; and on leveraging the Court’s dispute-resolution mandate for regional commercial justice.
A documentary on the Court’s journey will also be screened, followed later in the day by the launch of the EACJ Strategic Plan 2026/2027 – 2031/2032, the presentation of key issues raised, and the adoption of a communiqué. The day will close with a celebratory dinner.
“We will ask honestly how well the Court has served the people of East Africa, and how best it can prepare for the future. Twenty-five years of justice, and one day to shape what comes next,” Justice Kayobera added.
The President expressed appreciation to the EAC Secretariat, Raoul Wallenberg Institute, the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, the East Africa Law Society, Pepperdine University and the Government of Tanzania for their support towards the commemoration.
