Lady Justice Anita Mugeni: Pioneering change in East African jurisprudence

In the realm of international law, it is rare for private attorneys to represent their countries in regional or international courts. Typically, countries appoint high-ranking judicial officials or judges to serve in courts such as the East African Court of Justice (EACJ). For a private lawyer to be selected to represent a country in a court with such jurisdiction, they must have proven integrity, exhibit high levels of impartiality and competence, and be recommended by member states before being trusted by the Heads of State Summit to take on such a role. Such is the case for Justice Anita Mugeni, an accomplished Rwandan lawyer who is currently serving as Vice President of the EACJ, a role she assumed on June 20, 2023. She joined the regional court in 2021 when she was appointed as a judge to the EACJ Appellate Division. The New Times recently caught up with Lady Justice Mugeni, who was in Kigali for the EACJ’s 3rd Annual Judicial Conference and a rotational court session hosted by Rwanda from February 18 to March 7, 2025. During the interview, she discussed her distinguished career in law and how she reached her current position. The EACJ is the judicial authority of the East African Community (EAC), with the mandate of ensuring adherence to law in the interpretation and application of the EAC Treaty. The court comprises two divisions: the First Instance Division and the Appellate Division. As Vice President, Justice Mugeni plays a crucial role in overseeing the Appellate Division, which reviews decisions made by the First Instance Division. Perhaps the first thing you notice when you meet her is her down-to-earth, calm, and collected personality—traits that also reflect some of the qualities that helped her reach the top echelons of the legal world in Rwanda and the region. Born in Kigali in 1970, and the third of eight children, it was clear from childhood that Mugeni wanted to be a lawyer. After completing her secondary education, she was initially not offered the course she desired at university. Determined, Mugeni appealed, even writing to the Ministry of Education at the time. She had been offered a course in translation and interpretation. Eventually, she was allowed to join the Faculty of Law but without a government scholarship. ALSO READ: East African Court Begins Appeal Hearing of Regional Oil Pipeline Case She began her legal practice in 1998 and quickly established herself as a commercial and litigation attorney in Rwanda. In 2021, she was appointed as a judge to the EACJ Appellate Division. “I did my studies in Rwanda and later in Europe. I completed my primary and secondary education here in Rwanda. After secondary school, I wanted to join the Faculty of Law, but I was given a different course in translation,” recalls Mugeni. “I wrote a letter and went to the Ministry of Education to secure a place in the law faculty, and eventually, they accepted me. I got the chance to join, but without a scholarship. That was before the Genocide against the Tutsi,” she adds. Mugeni completed her bachelor’s degree in law in 1996. In 1997, the Rwanda Bar Association (RBA) was established, and the following year, in January 1998, she joined and began practicing law. She later pursued her Master’s Degree in Law (LLM) at the Université Catholique de Louvain in 2005. After completing her Master’s degree, she returned to Rwanda to continue practicing law and became one of the co-founders of MRB Attorneys, one of the leading law firms in Rwanda, specializing in corporate and commercial law. Mugeni achieved this in an era when the legal domain was predominantly male-dominated and when Rwanda’s legal sector was still in the rebuilding phase after the Genocide against the Tutsi. “It wasn’t easy, especially since the legal practice at that time was male-dominated,” Mugeni says in reference to the circumstances when she started practicing law. However, she attributes her success to hard work, determination, and passion, having joined the field of law at the age of 27. When she began her practice, Mugeni was an intern at a local law firm. After completing her Master’s degree, she joined a law firm founded by the former President of the Bar Association, Jean Haguma, who passed away in 2010. ALSO READ: East African Court Concludes Kigali Session Mugeni credits Haguma for mentoring her and supporting her as she established herself in the legal profession. After his passing, she began planning to start her own law firm. In 2013, she partnered with senior lawyers Athanase Rutabingwa and Emmanuel Butare to form MRB Attorneys, alongside Herbert Rubasha as the managing partner. “Each of us had our own law firm, and we thought of ways of merging them together to form one. I was the first managing partner of MRB Attorneys, and since then, we are still working together,” she says. The vision was always to work collaboratively, each bringing their expertise to create a law firm that would last beyond their personal involvement. “Our vision was to build a law firm that will last even when we are no longer there. Some of us may retire, others may change careers, but our vision is that MRB will endure, and other young people will take over,” she says. It is a vision they are still working on, having already established themselves. They believe that the firm can stand the test of time, just like other long-established law firms in other countries. Joining the EACJ Her nomination to the EACJ came as a surprise, given that these positions are typically reserved for high-ranking judicial officials and judges appointed by the government. “It was really a surprise,” she says, adding that she does not believe it is entirely about her accomplishments, but rather sees it as an opportunity given to her by her country to represent it at that level. “I am very grateful to the Government of Rwanda. They thought about me and appointed me to this position,” she says, adding that aside from her accomplishments, she viewed it as an opportunity to serve the country. The position was challenging, especially considering that her education had a French background, and she was joining a regional court where the main language of business is English. She also had no background in common law. Today, she says she is no longer intimidated by the system or the processes of the court. Before joining the EACJ, she held various responsibilities. “During my practice, I was heavily involved with the Rwanda Bar Association. I served as the acting Batonnier (President of the Bar Association) for a short period, as well as the dean of the council. I was also a dean representing the disciplinary commission, and I was a trainer, training fellow lawyers,” she recalls. “I also lectured at various universities, including the National University, ULK, and INILAK, and I sat on several boards, including the Media High Council,” Mugeni says, listing her many roles. She was also a member of the Public Service Commission and a council member of the East African Law Society (EALS). Juggling work One might wonder how she manages to juggle all her responsibilities, in addition to caring for her two children – one biological and the other adopted. “It’s a matter of being organized and also loving what you do. It’s not easy. When you work in private practice, you may even work extra hours, during times that are supposed to be your personal or family time,” she says. “But it’s a matter of being organized and managing your time well,” Mugeni emphasises. ALSO READ: East African Court to Hear About 20 Cases in Kigali This Month Luckily, as Vice President of the EACJ, her role is not full-time. She works part-time in Arusha and part-time in Kigali, which allows her to keep up with her other activities, whether related to her law firm or her family. “The current setup of the court is such that it operates on an ad hoc basis. Only the president and registrar are permanent, but the other judges convene during court sessions,” Mugeni explains. When she was appointed as a judge in the regional court, she stopped representing clients in court, as it would have been inappropriate. However, she still consults with her partners and offers advisory services. Dealing with complicated cases and challenges The court deals with complex cases, some politically charged. Mugeni says that handling such cases is part of the job, as it is essential to uphold the rule of law and dispense justice impartially, meeting the expectations of the parties and member states. As a woman, pursuing a career in a profession that was largely male-dominated presented challenges. At times, people would question where she would find clients. Yet, her determination and perseverance helped her overcome those hurdles. “With hard work and determination, you can achieve results,” Mugeni says, adding that it was inside the courtroom where she proved her worth. One case often led to another based on how she litigated the previous one. “There were many challenges. You know, as a woman, you have children, a family to take care of, and you have to balance your life. I know my fellow women in practice face similar struggles – balancing family and work,” she says. “Practice is demanding, and family also has its own demands. Women tend to manage affairs at home. You really have to be organized. Personally, I avoid stress. I am a person who takes things easy,” she adds. Building a legacy After just 11 years of building MRB Attorneys with her partners, Justice Mugeni believes there is still more to be done, but so far, the vision is on track. There is still a need to train more young people to follow in their footsteps, not only within MRB but also to establish their own law firms. Lady Justice Mugeni believes that Rwanda, as a developing nation, still needs more standard law firms. This is why training never stops, whether in education or at the practice level—to nurture the next generation of lawyers. The firm has also established its own premises. While these may seem like small or normal achievements, they symbolize the growth and rebuilding of the legal sector, which once had briefcase lawyers or firms operating in small offices. Sky is no longer the limit Despite all she has achieved, Mugeni is not stopping. She hopes to accomplish more. “As a human being, you always aspire to achieve more. So far, I can’t say I have accomplished everything I want to. My motto is to keep working hard, and things will come. You don’t stop; you keep going,” she says. “This world keeps evolving. We are still learning and eager to learn. There is no stopping,” says Lady Justice Mugeni, when asked whether she still hopes to pursue more milestones in life. As the world marks International Women’s Month, Mugeni notes that there is much more to be done to fully empower and integrate women into sectors such as law, where their representation is still low. “In Rwanda, we’ve made progress, but in the region, gender balance is not yet achieved. For example, I am the only female judge at the EACJ so far. We are waiting for other countries to appoint women, but it is still a male-dominated field,” Mugeni notes. In Rwanda, women currently make up 55 per cent of the judiciary, a significant achievement in promoting gender equality in one of the most critical sectors of governance. Of the 58 heads of jurisdictions, ranging from the Supreme Court to primary courts, 23 are women. Additionally, 211 out of 381 judges are women. This representation not only highlights the country’s commitment to gender parity but also reflects Rwanda's broader efforts to balance leadership roles across all sectors of society. By ensuring women have a prominent presence in the judiciary, Rwanda is reinforcing its dedication to both justice and equality, setting an example for other nations striving to empower women in leadership positions. To women and girls, Mugeni urges them to embrace the opportunities the government has provided for them to rise and shine while the opportunity is still available. “Grab that opportunity without limiting yourself. Work hard, and the opportunity will meet you. The country is still giving us that chance,” Mugeni advises. “Hard work and setting goals are key. Have goals and aspire to be something, to achieve something,” she adds. Mugeni, who succeeded Tanzanian judge Sauda Mjasiri as Vice President of the EACJ, holds a Bachelor's Degree in Law from the National University of Rwanda and a Master's Degree in Law (LLM) from the Université Catholique de Louvain, as well as a diploma in legal practice. She has also served as a council member of the East African Law Society, among other duties and responsibilities. Mugeni is a member of the Pan-African Lawyers Union, the International Bar Association, the ICSID Panel of Arbitrators, and the National Consultative Committee on the EAC Political Federation.

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Lady Justice Anita Mugeni: Pioneering change in East African jurisprudence