East African judges meet to discuss rule of law

Magistrates and judges from Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda gathered here Thursday to discuss constitutional provisions of the East Africa Community (EAC) member states.

At the opening ceremony of the two-day meeting, Rwanda's chief justice, Prof. Sam Rugege, called on all attendants to help improve the rule of law and access to justice in the EAC countries.

"This is the right time to discuss constitutional issues. We have noticed that the Burundian constitutional court was recently put in a very difficult position, having to interpret the constitution over a very controversial and politically sensitive issue, but the decision was not enthusiastically received by all citizens," he said.

"Sometimes we are exposed to such issues and we must be ready to confront them courageously when they come to our jurisdiction. This is the good time for you (to discuss this issue) and I am happy you have it on your agenda," Rugege said, referring to the approval of President Pierre Nkurunziza's bid for a third term by the constitutional court earlier this month.

The meeting drew members of the East African Magistrates and Judges Association (EAMJA).

Commending the EAMJA's efforts to build the capacity of its members, Rugege said judges must have knowledge and experience from elsewhere to be able to make legally binding decisions and support peace in their countries.

EAMJA President Lawrence Gidudu said that the EAMJA training workshop endeavors to empower its members with shared knowledge and experience in order to manage their judicial functions effectively.

The EAC treaty compels member states to harmonize their laws in order to facilitate cross-border trade, employment and free movement, he noted.

The meeting came prior to an EAMJA annual conference to be held in Tanzania in August this year.

The EAMJA was founded in 2000 and has over 400 members now.