As Rwanda launched the 14th annual anti-corruption week, on Monday, February 10, Chief Justice Domitilla Mukantaganzwa emphasized the importance of eliminating corruption at all levels of the justice system.

Speaking at a press conference at the Supreme Court, Mukantaganzwa addressed a growing issue of intermediaries who falsely claim they can influence judicial decisions in exchange for bribes.

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She said these intermediaries, who may be personnel in the judiciary or members of the general public, have a role in preserving corrupt practices in the judiciary.

"Some individuals act as middlemen, misleading people by claiming that justice cannot be attained without paying bribes. They demand money under the pretence that it will be used to bribe judges,” Mukantaganzwa said.

She acknowledged that, in some cases, judges or court staff might be complicit in such schemes, but in other cases, these middlemen operate independently to exploit gullible citizens.

"Regardless of the circumstances—whether it’s a judge, registrar, court staff, or an outsider—demanding or receiving a bribe is a crime,” Mukantaganzwa stated.

Mukantaganzwa noted that steps have been taken to curb corruption in the justice sector, including establishing anti-corruption committees in courts, enforcing strict penalties against individuals involved in corrupt practices, and leveraging technology through the Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS) to enhance transparency.

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"These measures have considerably reduced the prevalence of corruption in courts and increased public trust in judicial decisions. However, there is still work to be done, and efforts to combat corruption will continue,” she said.

Since 2020, 12 judges, registrars, and court staff have been penalized for corruption-related offenses. Currently, three individuals, including a judge and a registrar, are facing imprisonment over graft charges.

Justice is not for sale

The Chief Justice urged the public to reject and report any individuals who claim they can influence court decisions for a bribe.

"Justice is not for sale. Do not fall for those who deceive you into believing that you must pay to win a case. If you encounter such individuals, report them immediately,” she said.

Charles Kaliwabo, chairperson of the anti-corruption committee, emphasised the role of the general public in eradicating corruption.

"The justice sector cannot win this battle alone. The most crucial partners in this fight are the citizens—the very individuals judges serve,” Kaliwabo said.

"Unfortunately, some members of the public still believe justice can only be secured through bribes, and intermediaries exploit this misconception. We are raising efforts to eliminate such practices this year,” he said.

Jeannot Ruhunga, Secretary General of the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), said that in the past five years, more 4,400 corruption-related cases, involving over 9,000 individuals, have been handled.

Ruhunga noted that in the same period, 56 RIB officers were dismissed due to corruption, with some facing imprisonment.

He added that one of the key challenges the judiciary sector faces is the perception that justice cannot be achieved without bribery, which middlemen exploit.

"We urge the public to trust the judiciary and report any corrupt practices,” Ruhunga said.