- Says strengthened judicial delivery system essential for deepened regional integration, economic growth
From FAUSTINE KAPAMA-Judiciary,
Arusha
THE Prime Minister of the United Republic of
Tanzania, Hon. Kassim Majaliwa Majaliwa today dated December 3, 2024 officially
opened the 21st East African Magistrates and Judges Association (EAMJA)
Conference and Annual Meeting, which brings more than 380 participants from the
Region to discuss various judicial matter in relation to the dispensation of
justice.
Hon. Majaliwa arrived at
the conference venue at Gran Malia’ Hotel at around 10.00 am and was received
by several judicial and government senior officials led by the Chief Justice of
Tanzania, His Lordship Prof. Ibrahim Hamis Juma.
Other officials were the
Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Prof. Palamagamba Kabudi,
President of the EAMJA, Hon. John Eudes Keitirima, retire Chief Justice of
Tanzania, His Lordship Mohamed Chande Othman, Court of Appeal Justices Dr,
Gerald Ndika and Ignas Kitusi, Chief Justice of Zanzibar, His Lordship Khamis
Ramadhan Abdalla, Principal Judge of the High Court of Tanzania, Hon. Mustapher
Mohamed Siyani, Chief Court Administrator of Judiciary of Tanzania, Prof. Elisante
Ole Gabriel and Chief Registrar of the Judiciary of Tanzania, Hon. Eva Kiaki Nkya.
After a shot briefing, the
Prime Minister, who represented the President of the United Republic of Tanzania,
Her Excellence Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan to officially open the conference, was
escorted to the conference room before the Brass Band of the Tanzania People’s
Defence Forced led the delegated to sing the National Anthem and that of the
East African Community.
Thereafter, the Master of
the Ceremony, who is also the Judge of the High Court of Tanzania, Dodoma
Sub-Registry, Hon. Fatuma Halfan introduced the delegates to the Prime Minister
before allowing speakers to give their addresses relating to the meeting.
It was the President of
the EAMJA John Eudes Keitirima, who was the first to take the floor and told the
delegates from Tanzania, Zanzibar, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and South Sudan that
that the East African Magistrates and Judges Association is the biggest
Judicial forum that brings together all ranks of judicial officers within the
region who deliberate exhaustively on issues that affect them.
He explained that EAMJA
plays a pivotal role in unifying and empowering Judicial officers across the
East African Region and has been organizing conferences that offer a unique
opportunity for judicial officers across the East African Community to come together
and delve in a wide crucial and contemporary topic.
“This collective effort
not only broader our horizons but also provides invaluable insights into the
regional and global dynamics that influence our work. This continuous
engagement is a priceless aspect of being part of EAMJA as it allows us to stay
well informed, adopt to changes and anticipate and prepare for future
challenges,” the President said.
The second official to
address the conference was the District Commissioner (DC), Hon. Felician
Mtahengerwa, who represented the Regional Commissioner Paul Makonda. In his
short message, the DC asked Judges and Magistrates to observe justice and be impartial
when exercising their judicial function.
It was the Minister for Justice
and Constitutional Affairs who became third to take the floor and told the
delegates that judges and magistrates are the centre of peace and harmony as
everyone who thinks has lost his or her rights would run to a court to file a
suit.
“Therefore, people trust
on you and they are always sure that justice will be made, justice will be done.
This trust should not be compromised as it has been stated by the District Commissioner
of Arusha,” he said.
The minister pointed out
that the theme chosen by the Association this year over “Strengthening Justice
Delivery System for Regional Integration and Economic Growth” august well with
what goes in the East African Region.
Prof. Kabudi assured the
conference that his ministry is very eager to know the deliberations and what
needed to be done and that the role of the government is to facilitate the judiciary
to function properly.
Thereafter, the Chief
Justice of Tanzania took the floor and urged governments to provide sufficient
funds to national judiciaries to enable them perform core judicial functions
assigned by constitutions of their respective jurisdictions.
“Our national judiciaries
require sufficient funds to perform core judicial functions assigned by our
constitutions. The EAMJA and our national Magistrates' and Judges' Associations
should continue to underscore to our national governments that sufficient
funding of National judiciaries is essential in a democratic and peaceful
environment that allows people to engage in political, social, cultural,
economic and technological activities,” he said.
His Lordship Prof. Juma
explained that as conference theme reminds them, when judiciaries enhance the
delivery of the justice system, and national jurisdictions dedicate sufficient
resources to strengthen justice and judicial institutions, processes and
mechanisms, the justice system will contribute to national economic growth and
the East African regional integration.
It was then the turn of
the Prime Minister to address the conference and pointed out that a strengthened
judicial delivery system is essential for deepened regional integration and
economic growth.
As one of the leaders in
this region, the Prime Minister said, he highly value regional gatherings like such
conference, which bring together East African Magistrates and Judges to address
critical national and regional issues.
“This gathering provides
an opportunity to analyze the challenges we face in delivering justice and to
develop strategies for overcoming them. The EAMJA umbrella enables us to
collaborate in ensuring effective, participatory justice for our citizens,” he
said.
During the opening
session, the Chief Justice of Tanzania presented a special gift to the Prime Minister
for officiating the Conference.
Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania, Hon. Kassim Majaliwa Majaliwa enjoying traditional entertainments. The picture below is being escorted to the conference room.
Hakuna maoni:
Chapisha Maoni