Earlier this month, during the 21st East African Magistrates and Judges Association (EAMJA) Conference and Annual General Meeting, Justice Geraldine Umugwaneza was elected president of the association for a non-renewable two-year term. Her election marks a milestone in her journey, which she describes as deeply influenced by Rwanda's history. In an exclusive interview with The New Times, Justice Umugwaneza shared her inspiring journey into the legal profession. “Law was never my dream,” she revealed. “The need for justice, healing, and reconciliation in post-genocide Rwanda inspired me.” Reflecting on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, Umugwaneza noted how the country’s leadership had failed its people since the colonial era, culminating in tragedy. At just 20 years old, she felt compelled to contribute to the nation’s recovery. “Justice, healing, and reconciliation were not optional – they were an obligation for all Rwandans. I believed that the justice sector was where I could make the greatest impact.” ALSO READ: EAC magistrates, Judges push for harmonised laws She credits President Paul Kagame’s leadership for creating opportunities for Rwandans to participate in nation-building. “The opportunity to study and contribute is one of his strategies that I am grateful for. I am a testament to this vision,” she said. A life beyond the bench Beyond her career, Umugwaneza is a wife, mother of four sons, and grandmother. She describes herself as deeply family-oriented and a passionate home cook. “We are very close as a family. I enjoy traveling and spending holidays with them – it brings me immense joy.” Her love for Rwandan culture shines through her hobbies, including listening to gospel and traditional Kinyarwanda music, particularly songs that focus on faith, liberation, and cultural values. She also enjoys reading about leadership, family, and history, and stays informed by following local and international news. Umugwaneza has developed an interest in technology and takes pride in engaging with young people. “I like interacting with teens and young adults, sharing my journey, and listening to their thoughts on life,” she said. Her active lifestyle includes playing badminton, singing gospel music, and dancing to traditional songs. Leading EAMJA: priorities and vision As the President of EAMJA, Umugwaneza views her role as an important honor for both Rwanda and herself. “This is an opportunity for Rwanda to contribute to regional integration, strengthen collaboration between national judiciaries, and work closely with the East African Court of Justice,” she noted. Her priorities include enhancing the association’s visibility to encourage active member participation and fostering knowledge exchange among judicial officers. She aims to advocate for harmonized laws across the region, promote capacity building, and expand the association’s membership to include countries like Burundi, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Somalia. Balancing work, family Balancing her demanding career with personal responsibilities requires resilience and sacrifice, Umugwaneza acknowledged. “Every success comes with commitment and determination. I make time for my role as President and as a judicial officer, always striving to contribute to the association’s growth.” Her 16 years of active membership in EAMJA, including a two-year term on its governing council, have prepared her for the presidency. She draws additional experience from her decade-long tenure as Deputy Registrar of the East African Court of Justice and her leadership of the Rwandan Community in Arusha and Moshi during her time in Tanzania. When asked about managing her family life, she credited her supportive husband and children. “My husband didn’t marry a judge, and my children know me primarily as their mother, not as a judge. They expect a joyful wife and mother, and I strive to fulfill all my roles with God’s help.” Education and career highlights Umugwaneza is a Justice of the Court of Appeal in Rwanda. She holds an master of laws (LLM) in international legal studies and a master’s degree in public administration, both from Harvard University. Her academic achievements also include a bachelor of law from the University of Rwanda and a postgraduate diploma in legal practice from the Institute of Legal Practice and Development. She is a registered arbitrator with the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (London and Kenya branches) and the Kigali International Arbitration Center. She is also a certified mediator. Her career includes serving as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Rwanda and as a Technical Advisor in the Department of Gacaca Courts. She spent ten years as Deputy Registrar at the East African Court of Justice and has been a spokesperson for the Association of Widows of the Genocide against the Tutsi (AVEGA Agahozo).
