Rwanda and Uganda have agreed to exchange programmes and expertise to strengthen cooperation on judicial matters between the two countries.

The new arrangement will see judicial experts from both countries share experiences with aim of developing the sector.

The agreement was reached at a signing ceremony between the Chief Justice Aloysie Cyanzayire and her Ugandan counterpart, Benjamin Odoki.

This is a follow up of a meeting between Chief Justices of all five EAC member states hosted by Rwanda in March last year, where they agreed to have judicial collaboration.

According to the pact, the two parties shall carry out training programmes for judges, registrars and court staff from both countries as well as share knowledge concerning commercial courts system, inspection of courts and backlog management.

The agreement also touches on the exchange of information and expertise on ICT development in order to improve the performance and quality of administration of justice.

Speaking after the signing, Cyanzayire welcomed the pact saying that the judicial sector, just like other sectors, cannot prosper in isolation.

"If we want to promote the judicial system and continue to develop, we need to cooperate. We need to share experiences and harmonise our operations for the benefit of our people,” she said.

Cyanzayire added that the technical team will immediately draw a plan of action for the implementation of the pact.

The two countries will also share information on matters concerning the respect of rule of law, court procedures, as well as the ethics of judges and other court personnel.

Uganda’s Chief Justice observed that besides strengthening the judiciary, the agreement also cements the relationship between the two countries.

"Rwanda and Uganda have enjoyed a long relationship in the past years; we share the same history, culture and economy…the signing of this agreement will not only develop our judicial sectors but also cement the mutual relationship between the two countries,” he said.

Odoki further highlighted that the pact would play a significant role in developing and making the judicial sectors of the two countries independent and modernised through ICT as well as producing competent judges.

He also reiterated his commitment to speed up the technical part of the agreement for its implementation.

The event that was held at Supreme Court attracted dignitaries from the two countries including Justice Minister Tharcisse Karugarama, Prosecutor General Martin Ngoga and Uganda’s High Commissioner Richard Kabonero.

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