NEWS– Judicial officers in East Africa have been encouraged to strengthen institutional capacity through modern technologies if they are to ensure timely delivery of justice.
This was part of encouraging words by the Tanzania Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa on behalf of President Samia Suluhu Hassan as he officially opened the 21st East African Magistrates and Judges Association (EAMJA) Conference being held at Grand Melia Hotel in Arusha, Tanzania.
A delegation of 109 judicial officers from Uganda led by the Hon. Deputy Chief Justice, Hon. Justice Richard Buteera are taking part in the conference.
The Conference is being held under the theme; Strengthening Justice delivery systems for Regional Integration & Economic Growth.
The Prime Minister noted that such meetings provide an opportunity to analyse the challenges faced by Judiciary and together find solutions through fora, laws and systems that add value to development infused with integrated justice.
PM Kassim reported that in 2023, the President appointed a Commission to institute reforms in the Criminal Justice System which later produced a Report stressing that the Judiciary and the Government are working on implementing the recommendations to promote economic growth and equitable development through modernising criminal and civil justice systems.
In his remarks, the President EAMJA Justice John Eudes Keitirima who quoted Martin Luther King highlighted that injustice anywhere is injustice everywhere.
He appreciated that the Conference offers opportunities for mentorship and formation of lasting friendships.
Justice Keitirima thanked the Association for the trust placed in the Council, calling it a dream team.
The Tanzania Minister of Constitutional and Legal Affairs, Prof. Palamagamba John Aidan Mwaluko Kabudi stressed that the Association is a furtherance of the East African Community (EAC).
He challenged the members not to abuse the trust placed in them- delivering justice.
The Tanzania Chief Justice, Prof Ibrahim Hamis Juma called upon the governments to dedicate sufficient resources to the Judiciary noting that their work leads to regional integration and economic growth.
Justice Juma implored administrators to always invite Magistrates from remote and difficult areas to attend such Conferences and learn dating that it builds them professionally, socially and culturally.
