KIGALI, March 29, 2025 – – The East African Court of Justice [EACJ] and the East African Community [EAC] Secretariat have launched an innovative Data Governance Training Programme for judicial officers, marking a significant step towards enhancing judicial expertise in data governance, privacy and legal adjudication.
The inaugural training session for the programme took place recently in Kigali, Rwanda. The programme is designed to equip judges with the necessary knowledge and skills to interpret and enforce the proposed EAC Data Protection and Privacy Act, ensuring a harmonised regional approach to data governance in the era of emerging technologies.
The rise of the digital economy has made data governance a critical issue for the East African region. The EAC has made significant progress in advancing data governance initiatives, with the validation of its Data Governance Policy Framework in October 2024.
However, challenges such as inconsistent legal frameworks, cross-border data flow complexities, data security threats, and limited judicial capacity in handling data-related cases persist. The lack of harmonised data governance policies across EAC Partner States has further hindered efforts to establish a seamless, secure, and legally protected regional digital environment.
“The need for a robust data governance framework has never been more urgent. Proper governance and legislation will significantly contribute to the digital transformation agenda across EAC Partner States,” said Christine Mutimura Wekesa, the EACJ Acting Registrar, during the opening ceremony.
“This training programme ensures that our judicial officers are well-equipped to interpret and enforce legal frameworks on data protection and privacy,” added Wekesa.
The proposed EAC Data Protection and Privacy Act is expected to provide a harmonised regulatory framework that safeguards personal data, fosters digital trust and ensures secure cross-border data flows. A well-defined legal structure will encourage innovation, investment, and economic growth in the region.
Speaking at the forum, Eng. Daniel Murenzi, the Principal Information Technology Officer at the EAC Secretariat, emphasised the role of judicial officers in ensuring the effective implementation of the Act.
“With the EAC advancing its Data Governance Policy Framework, this programme is critical for ensuring that legal adjudication on data-related issues remains robust, fair, and aligned with international best practices,” said Eng. Murenzi.
Presiding over the official opening of the training session, the Judge President of the EACJ, Justice Nestor Kayobera, underscored the significance of judicial preparedness in an increasingly data-driven world.
“As the digital landscape evolves, our judicial officers must be well-versed in data governance principles to uphold the rule of law while fostering economic growth,” said Justice Kayobera.
“The courts play a pivotal role in protecting fundamental privacy rights while ensuring that data-driven innovation flourishes within a legally secure environment.”.
“As the region transitions to a more data-driven economy, it is essential that our judiciary is well-prepared to adjudicate emerging digital legal issues. This programme marks a critical step in ensuring that East African courts remain at the forefront of digital governance and legal adjudication,” said the Judge President.
The training programme aims to enhance judicial understanding by equipping EACJ judges with a comprehensive understanding of data governance principles, privacy rights and cross-border data flows. Judges will receive insights into emerging legal challenges in data protection and privacy, ensuring they are well-prepared to handle cases in this evolving digital landscape.
Additionally, the programme seeks to strengthen legal adjudication by building judges’ capacity to interpret and enforce the proposed EAC Data Protection and Privacy Act in alignment with regional and international standards. This will ensure a fair and informed approach to adjudicating data-related disputes, fostering confidence in the judicial system.
Another key objective is to facilitate regional integration by fostering a harmonised judicial approach to data governance across the EAC Partner States. A consistent legal framework will enhance trust in the region’s digital economy, supporting seamless data flows and ensuring that businesses and individuals operate within a legally secure environment.
As a result of this training, judges will demonstrate increased competence and confidence in adjudicating data governance issues. Furthermore, EACJ judicial processes will align with global best practices in data protection and privacy, ensuring that the region remains competitive in the digital age.
Finally, insights gained from the training programme will contribute to refining the proposed EAC Data Protection and Privacy Act, helping policymakers address practical challenges encountered during its application.
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