‘Administer justice without fear’

• Samia says fairness in the judiciary remains vital for national peace, stability

DAR ES SALAAM: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan yesterday directed newly appointed Court of Appeal judges to administer justice without fear, favour or bias, saying fairness in the judiciary remains vital for national peace, stability and protection of citizens’ rights.

The Head of State made the remarks at State House in Dar es Salaam after swearing in nine judges elevated from the High Court to serve in the country’s highest judicial organ. She said decisions made by the Court of Appeal shape not only the lives of individuals involved in cases but also national institutions, social conduct and interpretation of laws in the country.

The judges sworn in were Imani Aboud, Rabia Mohamed, Dr Yose Mlyambina, Immaculata Banzi, Cyprian Mkeha, Yohane Masara, Dr Juliana Masabo, Abdi Shaaban Kagomba and Mzee Ibrahim, all of whom were elevated from the High Court to serve as Judges of the Court of Appeal.

Speaking after administering the oath of office, President Samia congratulated the judges and said their appointments reflected the confidence the Judicial Service Commission had in their professionalism, competence and commitment to public service.

“Your appointment is based on the professional experience and service you have shown in the various positions you have served,” she said.

President Samia noted that some of the judges had previously been sworn in into other judicial positions during her administration, saying their latest elevation demonstrated continued recognition of their performance and integrity within the judiciary.

“I think today is the second or third time I am swearing in some of you, meaning that during the time I have been here, you have risen through different levels to reach this stage,” she said.

She added that the appointments were a sign that the Judicial Service Commission had recognised the judges’ contribution and recommended them for higher responsibilities within the country’s judicial system. President Samia urged the judges to uphold integrity, professionalism and patriotism in carrying out their duties, stressing that justice remains the foundation of peace, stability and development.

“Go and serve the country with integrity, professionalism and patriotism as you have sworn here,” she said.

She further warned against favouritism and personal interests in judicial decision-making, insisting that judges must always remain impartial and guided by the law.

“You have sworn to work without favouritism, love or hate. Therefore, look carefully at yourselves when making decisions and judgments,” she said.

According to the President, the responsibility entrusted to judges goes beyond holding office because they are custodians of citizens’ rights and guardians of justice in society.

“This responsibility is not just a position, it is a duty to protect the rights of Tanzanians in all the decisions you make,” she said.

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President Samia also described judicial service as both a national and moral obligation, saying judges perform a vital role in ensuring fairness and protecting the country’s governance systems.

“By serving humanity, you are serving God,” she said, adding that judges are among those entrusted with overseeing justice and rights on behalf of society. The president said the government would continue strengthening the judiciary to improve efficiency and delivery of justice across the country.

She noted that Tanzania’s courts have undergone significant transformation in recent years through reforms and improvements aimed at increasing efficiency and access to justice.

“In that context, your appointment as judges of the Court of Appeal is part of those efforts to increase efficiency in this important area,” she said.

President Samia said the Court of Appeal, being the highest judicial organ in the country, carries enormous responsibility because its rulings influence institutions, governance and the broader interpretation of laws.

“Every decision you make has great weight not only for the parties involved but also for our institutions, the conduct of society and the broad interpretation of the law in the country,” she said.

She also called on the judges to safeguard the dignity, independence and credibility of the judiciary while strengthening accountability, discipline and ethics within the institution.

“This freedom is valuable when it goes hand in hand with justice and efficiency,” she said.

President Samia told the judges to execute their responsibilities with wisdom, integrity and fear of God as required by their oath of office, while always putting the nation first in their decisions.