Prof John Eudes Rugangisa
Former Judge, Tanzania
Prof. John Eudes Ruhangisa has played a significant role in advancing the East African Community (EAC) integration through his leadership in regional judicial processes. As a former Registrar of the East African Court of Justice (EACJ), he was instrumental in developing the court’s capacity to address legal disputes related to EAC integration. Prof. Ruhangisa championed legal frameworks and mechanisms for resolving conflicts among Partner States and their Institutions, fostering adherence to the Treaty for the Establishment of the EAC.
Under his tenure, the EACJ adopted innovative practices such as court-annexed mediation, making the judicial process more accessible and efficient. These measures enhanced the court's role in regional jurisprudence, including its arbitration functions, which he strongly advocated to resolve disputes within the community.
In addition to his administrative duties, Prof. Ruhangisa contributed extensively to the legal scholarship on EAC integration. His work emphasized the interplay between judicial processes and policy-making to advance regional cooperation, particularly in the economic and legislative domains.
Prof. Ruhangisa's legacy in the EACJ continues to underscore the importance of judicial institutions in achieving sustainable regional integration.