PM insists judicial reforms
ARUSHA: PRIME Minister Kassim Majaliwa has emphasised that a robust justice delivery system is crucial for the rule of law, good governance and economic growth.
The Premier also highlighted the importance of re-engineering judicial processes through modern technological innovations to achieve effective justice delivery.
He made these remarks while inaugurating the 21st East African Magistrates’ and Judges’ Association (EAMJA) Conference and Annual General Meeting in Arusha on Tuesday on behalf of President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
The theme of the conference, ‘Strengthening the Justice Delivery System for Regional Integration and Economic Growth,’ captures the critical relationship between justice systems, regional integration and economic development.
“Strengthened judicial delivery is essential for deepened regional integration and economic growth. This gathering, which brings together East African magistrates and judges, provides an opportunity to analyse challenges in delivering justice and develop strategies to overcome them,” said Mr Majaliwa.
He added that a strong justice delivery system upholds the rule of law, promotes good governance and ensures judicial independence. The EAMJA platform enables collaboration to ensure participatory justice for citizens across the region.
The Prime Minister urged EAMJA to focus on modern technological innovations that can revolutionise case management systems, enhance access to justice and improve the efficiency of legal services.
“A transparent and dependable justice system can be achieved by implementing efficient, technology-assisted case management systems,” he said, adding that such advancements reduce costs, save time and bring judicial services closer to the people, ultimately stimulating economic growth.
He called on the association to prepare for global trends in justice and governance systems, including the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI), which many countries have already embraced.
Mr Majaliwa also urged judges and magistrates to discuss strategies for addressing transnational and organised crimes, which pose significant threats to national, regional and global security.
He warned that these crimes undermine democratic institutions, public health, safety and economic stability.
The Prime Minister highlighted Tanzania’s judicial reforms under the leadership of President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan.
Key socio-economic policies have been implemented to strengthen institutional capacity within the justice delivery system, modernise the judiciary and promote a citizen-centric approach.
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Such reforms aim to enhance individual rights, improve the judiciary’s role in fostering a favourable investment climate and advance the adoption of modern technologies.
Minister for Constitution and Legal Affairs, Professor Palamagamba Kabudi, noted that the EAMJA meeting continues the tradition of regional cooperation in judicial matters.
EAMJA President, Justice John Keitirima, outlined the association’s goals, including improving the efficiency of justice administration, promoting human rights and advancing legal education within the East African Community (EAC).
Tanzania’s Chief Justice, Professor Ibrahim Juma, underscored the importance of safeguarding judicial independence, essential for sustaining the rule of law and human rights.
He also emphasised the role of national legal systems in realising EAC’s integration goals, including the Customs Union and Common Market.
The conference concludes today, marking a significant step in strengthening regional judicial cooperation and fostering integration for economic growth.
