KIGALI - 19 lawyers were yesterday sworn-in to join the Kigali Bar Association (KBA).

The swearing-in ceremony, presided over by High Court president, Johnston Busingye, was held at the High Court in Kigali.

Those sworn-in include fresh graduates and professionals such as lecturers, prosecutors and civil servants.

12 of those sworn-in are slated to first undergo a two-year internship before they can engage in legal practice.

Busingye noted that lawyers are "catalysts’” to the development of the justice sector.

"Together, we will build a strong country which follows the law,” he said.

He urged them to turn down anything that might tarnish their image and that of the association and consequently the country.

The High Court chief petitioned them to respect time, be trustworthy and handle any case that comes their way.

"Courts need to work with experienced personnel like you. Without experienced and competent lawyers, the justice sector cannot grow fast,” Busingye said.

Athanase Rutabingwa, the president of the bar association, urged the new members to respect the law.  He appealed to them not to perceive financial benefits as their first priority.

"We need to also help those with financial difficulties access justice,” Rutabingwa said, adding that discipline should be the priority.

He urged them to be competent and contribute to the growth of the country’s justice sector.

The lawyers are expected to undergo a one-day training on Monday before they go into practice.

Rafael Ngarambe, one of the lawyers who were sworn-in, said: " This will help us offer services to those seeking justice and contribute to the development of the country’s legal sector”.

Ngarambe is a national prosecutor and has been in prosecution service for about 12 years.

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