Newly appointed judges and court registrars have been urged to prioritize timely justice delivery, maintain professionalism and protect public confidence in the Judiciary.
The call was made by the President of the Supreme Court and Chairperson of the High Council of the Judiciary, Rt. Hon. Domitilla Mukantaganzwa, on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, during the swearing-in ceremony of 45 judges and court registrars recently appointed to different courts.
Rt. Hon. Domitilla Mukantaganzwa, President of the Supreme Court and Chairperson of the High Council of the Judiciary.
Mukantaganzwa said delayed justice can have serious consequences for citizens, emphasizing that timely service delivery remains a key responsibility of the Judiciary.
“Your responsibility is to ensure that Rwandans receive quality justice and that it is delivered on time. Citizens should not be told to keep coming back because their cases or requests have not been handled,” she said.
She urged the new judicial officers to use technology effectively to improve efficiency and reduce delays in court services.
“Time is money. When something that should be done today is delayed, it affects what should be done tomorrow,” Mukantaganzwa said.
The Chief Justice reminded the judges and court registrars that their roles require integrity, commitment and cooperation with other members of the Judiciary.
She encouraged them to learn from experienced colleagues and work together to strengthen justice delivery.
“Those working in the Judiciary are one family. We must cooperate and support one another so that we continue improving justice delivery,” she said.
Mukantaganzwa warned the judicial officers against all forms of corruption, including financial corruption, favoritism based on family ties or personal relationships, saying such practices undermine justice and public trust.
“A judge must avoid all forms of corruption because they affect justice and the confidence citizens have in courts,” she said.
She also urged them to respect working hours and avoid delaying court proceedings, noting that delays by one official can affect the work of others.
The Chief Justice said the conduct of judges and court registrars shapes the image of the Judiciary, urging them to treat court users with respect and provide efficient services.
She also encouraged judicial officers recently transferred to new courts to embrace their assignments and contribute to improving the performance of the justice system.
