In a
significant move to strengthen the judicial handling of regulatory issues, the
Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA) on Friday (August 16) engaged
50 presiding judges and magistrates in a comprehensive seminar at the
Integrated Criminal Justice Center in Dodoma.
The
seminar aimed to enhance understanding of regulatory practices within the
energy, water, and sanitation sectors.
Titus
Kaguo, EWURA’s Communication and Public Relations Manager, represented the
Director General and expressed gratitude to the judiciary leaders for their
ongoing cooperation.
He
emphasized the importance of continued support from the judiciary to ensure
that EWURA can effectively execute its mandate.
During the
seminar, Mr. Kaguo pointed out a significant challenge faced by EWURA: lower
courts have occasionally handled regulatory cases.
“This practice
often conflicts with the principles guiding regulatory decision-making, as such
cases require a specialized understanding that might not align with traditional
judicial processes,” he noted.
Justice
John Kahyoza, President of the Tanzanian Judges and Magistrates Association,
commended EWURA for its efforts and the quality of the training provided.
He
suggested that the educational initiatives be sustained and extended to reach
rural communities, where understanding of regulatory issues is often limited.
"Please
convey our regards to the Chief Executive Officer. We appreciate this training
and urge you to extend your outreach to our rural communities. We promise to be
your ambassadors," Justice Kahyoza remarked,
The
seminar concluded with a shared commitment to ongoing education and dialogue
between EWURA and the judiciary. Both parties recognized the importance of
keeping the judiciary informed about developments in regulatory law to ensure
that justice is served in a manner consistent with regulatory objectives.
EWURA also
expressed its commitment to broadening its outreach efforts, particularly in
rural areas, to raise awareness and understanding of regulatory matters.
The meeting marks a significant step in ensuring that the regulatory framework governing Tanzania's energy, water, and sanitation sectors is upheld in the courts, safeguarding public interest and ensuring fair outcomes in legal disputes.
