Court bailiffs and public notaries have been urged to dignify justice dispensation by ensuring timely execution of court rulings regardless of the challenges they face during their duties.

The call was made by the Minister for Justice and Attorney General, Johnston Busingye, yesterday after presiding over the swearing in ceremony of 67 non-professional court bailiffs, one professional bailiff and 13 notaries.

The swearing-in ceremony was held at the Ministry of Justice headquarters in Kimihurura where Busingye reminded the officers of the ‘‘heavy responsibilities’’ ahead, saying that they must ensure people get justice.

According to the minister, justice which the officers will be entrusted to dispense is among key pillars of good governance.

"You cannot realise development in a country where your citizens still lack access to what courts award them.

That is why you have to execute court verdicts and on time,” Busingye said.

He added: "It is your duty to nurture harmony in communities and fully implement court rulings, losers before court should be able to hand over what court has awarded without fail, and its your job to employ the best possible approach to make sure it happens.”

Busingye said that the ministry received cases indicating that there is bureaucracy on the part of some court bailiffs which delays execution of court rulings and challenged them to clear any hurdle that may cause such delays.

"In both court bailiff and notary profession, you have to be vigilant and steer clear of any sentiments, nepotism, and corruption, among other vices. Stick to your professional code of ethics and uphold the values of our country,” he said.

Most non-professional bailiffs are also executive secretaries in cells.

Tamali Mukamana, who was sworn in as a non-professional bailiff is also the executive secretary of Murambi cell in Rangiro sector of Nyamasheke District.

She told The New Times that juggling between the two responsibilities is not an easy task but with determination and patriotism, she will diligently deliver on both.

"Sometimes we may encounter difficulties but what matters are rules and problem management techniques and I know that any case beyond your level should be immediately reported to the higher authority for timely action,” she said.

Wellars Ndayisaba, the executive secretary of Pera cell of Bugarama Sector, Rusizi District, another non-professional bailiff, told the media that they are still challenged with compensation issues, because some people are unable to afford court awards.

Currently Rwanda has 301 professional court bailiffs and 2,630 non-professional bailiffs, representing all cells in the country.

Last year, the Ministry of Justice suspended 15 professional court bailiffs due to malpractices such as executing verdicts for ‘ghost cases’ as well as bailiffs who deposited proceeds from auctions into their own bank accounts, instead of courts’ accounts.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw