The Minister for East African Affairs Rebecca Kadaga, has called for the expansion of the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) into a full-time institution to address its growing case backlog.
She emphasised that the court’s ability to handle its increasing workload is significantly hindered by inadequate funding.
Kadaga made these remarks during the 3rd Annual East African Court of Justice Judicial Conference in Kigali, where she expressed concern about the East African Community’s (EAC) budget.
She pointed out that only four of the eight member states are meeting their financial obligations, leaving the remaining four unable to contribute. This financial gap has put immense pressure on the court, preventing it from effectively managing its caseload.
The minister’s call comes as the EACJ grapples with a severe financial crisis that has already impacted its operations.
In May 2024, the court suspended its sessions due to insufficient funds, caused by delays in remittances from partner states. Earlier in the year, the court had to cancel Appellate Division hearings in May, and in June, the First Instance Division was unable to convene as scheduled in Kigali.
“The East African Court of Justice (EACJ) deeply regrets to inform its esteemed stakeholders, particularly litigants and the general public, that there will be no scheduled session of the First Instance Division in June 2024,” the court announced, attributing the suspension to a lack of funds.
Since its establishment in 1999 and headquartered in Arusha, Tanzania, the EACJ has been central to upholding the rule of law within the East African Community.
However, the court’s operational struggles, compounded by financial difficulties, have led to a backlog of over 200 cases, hampering its ability to deliver justice efficiently.
Despite its importance, the EACJ lacks an independent budget, relying instead on contributions from member states. This system has proven inconsistent, forcing the court to depend heavily on donor funding, which undermines its autonomy and stability.
Kadaga urged all EAC member states to meet their financial commitments to ensure the court can function effectively. She warned that without adequate funding, the crisis could further damage public confidence in the court’s ability to uphold regional legal frameworks and safeguard the rights of East African citizens.
The ongoing financial difficulties at the EACJ highlight broader concerns about the sustainability of regional institutions and the urgent need for a reliable, long-term funding mechanism to ensure their independence and effectiveness.