Chief Justice Domitilla Mukantaganzwa has urged some 290 judges from the City of Kigali, Gicumbi and Bugesera districts to maintain integrity in their judicial responsibilities, recognizing that building public trust and delivering justice that satisfies all citizens is the only recommended path toward a fair justice system. Speaking during her first official meeting with judiciary personnel held at Parliament on May 30, Chief Justice Mukantaganzwa said that no one should be left behind when it comes to justice. This meeting marks the beginning of a series of five similar sessions she will hold across the country. “We are not hired to do bad things; we are hired to do good, said Mukantaganzwa. If I am emphasizing trust, it’s because there are several issues that haven’t been properly addressed. I hear many concerns from Rwandans, who come to my office or speak out through the media,” she noted. “Let us always ask ourselves – does what we do bring satisfaction to those we serve? We serve Rwandans. We are not working for the mountains and valleys; we are working for the people. This evaluation process will help us build trust among them,” she said. ALSO READ: Chief Justice calls for renewed action on Genocide ideology Mukantaganzwa stressed that judges and judicial staff should not rely on trust alone, as “many people wear a mask and can mislead others. During a court case, one of the parties is often pretending, and the losing side is never happy. When integrity is not applied, it empowers the dishonest party, ultimately leading to injustice.” “We need to build strong trust. Our justice system must evolve. Let us evaluate ourselves daily and ensure that every task is carried out with integrity and in accordance with professional ethics.” The Chief Justice also called on Rwandans to have trust in their justice system, because justice is a collective gain that requires everyone’s involvement. ALSO READ: Chief Justice says 80% of disputes could be handled through ADR The discussion covered numerous issues within the judiciary system. More pressing concern involves infrastructure, particularly unstable internet connectivity. The latter remains a major hurdle in courts, and continues to slow down judicial processes, especially virtual hearings. According to the participants, disruptions in internet connection lead to delays in delivering judgments and hinder staff from effectively using the digital systems introduced to improve justice delivery. Mukantaganzwa urged them to stay focused and patient as the issue is being urgently addressed. “Access to a stable and strong internet connection is a necessity, she said. We’re working with the relevant institutions to fix it. This problem didn’t arise overnight and has existed for some time. We urge everyone to work with a selfless attitude, as we are closely monitoring the situation. It should not stop judiciary activities.”
