Rwandan President Paul Kagame, on Tuesday, November 14, presided over the swearing-in of new Court justices, urging them to be the first to observe the law.
The momentous ceremony, filled with honour and anticipation, saw the President officiating the oath-taking for judges in the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal, and the High Court, as well as senior officials from the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB).
Jean-Bosco Kazungu and Isabelle Kalihangabo were appointed as Supreme Court judges. Xavier Ndahayo and Angeline Rutazana were deployed to the Court of Appeal, and Jean-Pierre Habarurema was sworn in as president of the High Court.
Consolée Kamarampaka was sworn in as Deputy Secretary-General of the RIB.
Addressing the new officials, Kagame said the country cannot be orderly without the dispensation of justice to every Rwandan.
“We know our history—what lacked in regards to justice and affected the politics of the country and the lives of Rwandans. I believe we know this so well enough that we learned many lessons that will make us work better for our country,” he said.
During his address, President Kagame emphasized the vital role played by the judiciary in maintaining social order and fostering an environment of fairness and equality. He expressed confidence in the newly appointed justices, praising their distinguished accomplishments and unwavering commitment to serving the nation.
He reminded them that everyone is equal before the law, and thus urged them to be the ones who take the lead in observing the law.
“If you are the one with the power to judge cases and investigate crimes, you should be the first one to show that you observe the law. You cannot judge cases or other matters aimed at establishing order if you put your own interests or those of your friends and family at the front.”
