The High Council of the Judiciary has permanently dismissed three judges and suspended four other court officials over misconduct related to corruption.
The dismissed judges are Jérôme Mwiseneza, Chief Clerk of Gatunda Primary Court; Dan Hategekimana, Judge at Ngoma Intermediate Court; and Djuma Habimana, President of the Rusizi High Court Division. They were found guilty of delivering rulings without proper documentation and failing to upload them to the IECMS (Integrated Electronic Case Management System) within the required timeframe.
Additionally, Athanase Bakuzakundi, President of the Nyanza High Court Division, was suspended for three months without pay, while François Batsinduka Songa, President of Nyarugenge Primary Court, was suspended for five months due to improper conduct.
During Anti-Corruption Week on February 10, 2025, Supreme Court President Domitilla Mukantaganzwa revealed that 14 court officials have been dismissed since 2020. Two clerks and one judge are currently in custody over corruption-related charges.
Reports from Transparency International – Rwanda indicate that corruption, even in small forms, continues to undermine trust in the justice system. President Paul Kagame has emphasized that a strong judiciary ensures equal opportunities for all under the law.
