SOUTHERN PROVINCE

NYANZA - High Court President Johnson Busingye yesterday called upon students at the Institute of Legal Practice and Development (ILPD) to reject the ‘business as usual’ and mediocrity culture that pervades government institutions the world over.

Speaking during the official opening of the second intake of students pursuing a post graduate diploma in legal practice, Busingye stressed the importance of skills development and the contribution of the Justice sector in national development.

"Whether our citizens, tourists, investors will feel they are in a truly just and fair country where the rule of law governs, whether our society will get rid of corruption, fraud, abuse of office, embezzlement, defilement and rape, will depend on how we in the justice sector interpret and apply the law to the diverse situations we face everyday,” said Busingye.

Contextualising the course, the High Court President said that Rwanda wants to be a middle income country with a per capita income of US$900, a country with zero tolerance to corruption and injustice commitment aspiring to be an investor and tourist destination.

He said that the Justice sector is pervaded by a perception of corruption, negotiability, social service and skewing the meaning of judicial independence.

"It is this context that I want you to understand, appreciate and embrace. This context requires that we look at ourselves as agents of justice as law reformers and as innovators. This course will give you the tools to analyse, research, argue, build confidence and overcome shadows of doubt that might still be lingering in you,” said Busingye.

He added: "This course will teach you that your dignity and self worth are from your application of integrity and impartiality rather than from compromising them to make a friend or relative escape justice.”

The one year programme which kicked off with 36 pioneer students last year will see the training of 23 students this year.

Participants in the programme who include lawyers, judges and prosecutors will cover topics like legal drafting, interviewing, pleading, negotiating and judging among others.

The Institute’s Recto, Vastina Rukimirana, said that the participants’ role in the Justice sector is crucial. She urged them to participate actively in the training and embrace new ways of doing things.

The Institute was launched last year by Prime Minister Bernard Makuza. It has a vision to become a centre of all legal systems and an international centre of excellence for legal development and practice.

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