The Kigali Bar Association, an umbrella association of practicing lawyers, elected their new Board Chairperson on Saturday during its General Assembly held at the Supreme Court offices in Gasabo district.

According to Article 13 of the statute governing the association, the top leadership of the association has a two-year term.

Vincent Karangwa, the only person who had submitted his candidature by the time of voting, won the seat by a whopping 101 votes out of the 106. 

Addressing the General Assembly, Karangwa pledged to work hand in hand with the association members through valuing their advice and ideas in order to see to it that the association attains its objectives.

"The association needs to develop. And developing the association, means developing the members so that they can reach the level of other associations in the region and this can be attained through training and fully equipping young lawyers in our association and I will work hard to attain this goal with your help,” he pledged.

The new chairman also promised to continue pushing for the completion of the amendments of the law governing the bar which is still in the process.

Outgoing Chairperson, Gatera Gashabana, in his handing over remarks highlighted on some of the achievements of the association during his tenure. Among these, was joining the East African Law Society and having a member on its Executive Council.

He, however, mentioned some challenges he met such as indiscipline among some members who were working without proper addresses and untrustworthiness among others, which gave a bad public image of the profession. He also pledged to continue giving support to the new leadership whenever needed,for the development of the association.

Ends