Joseph Isangura
President Samia has urged Tanzanian judges and magistrates to uphold justice with integrity and humility, warning them against assuming excessive authority in their roles.
Speaking at the Law Day celebrations on February 3, 2025, at Chinangali Park in Dodoma, she reminded judicial officers that the power to grant justice ultimately belongs to God.
“The work of delivering justice is divine. God, beyond administering justice, has the power to grant or withhold. That authority is His alone,” President Samia stated.
She cautioned against judicial officers adopting a sense of superiority, referring to the concept of miunguwatu—a Swahili term describing individuals who assume a god-like stature in their duties. She stressed that while judges and magistrates play a critical role in society, they must not lose sight of their responsibility to serve with fairness, impartiality, and respect for the law.
The president’s remarks come at a time when efforts are being made to enhance transparency and accountability within Tanzania’s legal system.
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The judiciary has faced public scrutiny over concerns about delayed cases, perceived biases, and access to justice, particularly for marginalized communities.
During the event, which marked the start of Law Week, legal professionals, government officials, and civil society representatives gathered to reflect on achievements and challenges in the legal sector. Discussions focused on strategies to improve judicial efficiency, reduce case backlogs, and strengthen public trust in the courts.
President Samia reaffirmed her government’s commitment to supporting the judiciary by providing resources to enhance service delivery. She emphasized the need for legal practitioners to carry out their work with humility and a deep sense of responsibility.
