Cell leaders in Huye District have blamed the delay in execution of court sentences on people who are ignorant of laws and rules regulating the process.They observed that some often challenge the execution of court decisions on the assumption that they could alter them.The leaders, who also double as court bailiffs, made the comments last Thursday during a two-day training programme organised by the National University of Rwanda (NUR) in partnership with Huye District as part of the university’s community service week, which kicked off last Monday.Gad Nsanzimana, the Executive Secretary of Mugobore Cell, Simbi Sector, noted that cases of opposition to the execution of court orders abound.“Even after a court pronounced itself has, some residents still think that they have a word on the decision,” he noted.“Some even categorically oppose the execution, resulting in delays while we keep explaining to them that neither they nor we can change the decision.“In many cases, we encounter resistance on land related cases.”However, residents have on several occasions accused local leaders of delaying the execution of court rulings. Their frustrations were also echoed by Transparency Rwanda, which in a recent report, slammed local leaders for frustrating the implementation of court orders.However, the grassroots leaders maintain the public was to blame for the delays.“There is need for a more strengthened campaign to educate residents on how legal cases are handled”, Nsanzimana urged.Speaking to The New Times, Dr Aloys Ruzibiza, NUR’s Director of Extension and Community Services, observed that his institution is ready to lend a hand in sensitising residents on the issue.“There are many public gatherings like the monthly community work (Umuganda), where we can lead discussions on respect for laws and court orders. What is only needed is for leaders to organise and call us,” he advised.“The university has experts in the field and we are ready to offer that support.”According to the Huye District Mayor, Eugene Kayiranga Muzuka, efforts to educate residents are underway. He noted that on several occasions, leaders explain how court decisions are challenged or executed. “But we will keep sensitising them in order to ensure that they fully understand the law,” Muzuka observed.
