Judges from across the country started a three-day retreat in Gabiro Military Training Centre of Excellence in Gatsibo District on Tuesday. Addressing hundreds of law practitioners, Chief Justice Professor Sam Rugege, said the retreat would give the judges time to reflect on their tasks. Rugege said the retreat will revolve around the role of judges in nation building. “We will discuss issues related to our day-to-day tasks, but apart from professional concerns, we will discuss the ‘Ndi Umunyarwanda’ concept in details,” he said. Ndi Umunyarwanda, literary meaning ‘I am Rwandan’, is aimed at getting a common understanding among Rwandans with regard to the bad politics which culminated in the Genocide against Tutsis. “Judges are Rwandans like other people. They should not live in isolation, only dealing with cases. Their role in country’s development should be felt,” Rugege said. Rugege noted that the general performance and competence of Rwandan courts and judges was outstanding. “Our image both inside the country and outside is very good. It is on record that we have been good performers. Of course, there are a few people who do not behave accordingly, but they represent only 5%. The 95% cannot be tarnished by the 5%,” Rugege said.
