Moise Nkundabarashi was on Friday, November 12 elected as the new President of Rwanda Bar Association in an election exercise that was held at the Jury’s complex. He takes over from Julien Kavarunganda who has been in the office for two consecutive terms since 2015. Nkundabarashi was voted with 807 out of 827 total votes. Alongside the presidential position, six members of the association’s board were also elected. These are Angele Buzayire (715), Fatuma Mukabibi (698), Ghislaine Niyongira (686), Clotilde Rwimo (723), Pie Habimana (711) and Sophonie Maseruka Sebaziga who had 760 votes. Three votes were spoiled as 59 people did not vote. Giving his final remarks as the president, Kavaruganda rallied the next president to work hand in hand with the council. “The secret to this, is none other than being in good terms with the council so as to create a team spirit that will benefit all members of the association,” he said. Commenting on his victory, Nkundabarashi promised those who voted for him that he will always avail himself to the members of the association. “I am humbled that you have placed your support in me and as I begin this new era, I would like to inform you that I and members of the council and I will always be accessible and available to your conveniences,” he announced. In a past interview with The New Times, Nkundabarashi said that he was prompted to run for the presidency after acquiring experience from his membership in the associations board for five years. Among his plans, he wants to create a special Microfinance institution for all lawyers, to provide financial assistance like loans and mortgages among others. He also plans to create a school for the bar which would be considered as a centre of excellence for the profession. Among other plans, he also plans on empowering female lawyers, upgrading lawyers pension services, medical insurance and ICT services incorporation in the legal profession. Nkundabarashi also embarked on engaging more partners and donors in the profession so as to provide free legal assistance to vulnerable people who are young, old, Gender based violence victims and poor among others. Who is Nkundabarashi Nkundabarashi, 40, obtained his Bachelor of Laws Degree (LLB) from the National University of Rwanda in 2008. In 2014, he joined Trust Law Chambers (TLC) as a Partner in the Litigation & Dispute Resolution Department. Prior to joining TLC, he represented a diverse range of clients before the Courts of Law in Criminal, Labour, Family and Commercial Litigation. He is also renowned for having assisted Callixte Nsabimana, the spokesperson of an anti-Kigali militia (FLN) for a court case that lasted for more than 2 years. He has been in the practice for the last 11 years. Rwanda Bar Association was created in 1997, and has 1,233 members.
