Respicius Mwijage
Member
- Dec 18, 2023
- 69
- 17
The swearing-in of newly appointed Justices of Appeal on 26th May 2026 was far more than a constitutional ceremony marking the apex of a judicial career. It was a sacred moment a public covenant made before God, the Constitution, and the people of the United Republic of Tanzania.
By taking the Judicial Oath upon the Holy Bible or the Holy Qur'an, and by subscribing to the Oath of Allegiance and the Leaders' Code of Ethics, these Justices assumed obligations that transcend personal ambition, institutional pressures, and political winds. Their vows represent an unbreakable promise to defend the Constitution and preserve the absolute integrity of the Judiciary.
At the heart of this commitment lies a profound declaration:
"That I will well and truly serve in the office of Justice of Appeal of the United Republic of Tanzania and that I will do right to all manner of people in accordance with the Constitution and the laws and customs of the United Republic of Tanzania, without fear or favour, affection or ill will."
These words embody the very bedrock of judicial independence. They demand that a Justice dispense justice courageously, uninfluenced by political authority, economic power, public clamor, or personal prejudice.
This is perhaps the most enduring principle of judicial service: justice must neither be purchased by influence nor distorted by fear. It must be administered solely according to the law and the evidence brought before the court, standing steadfast even when confronted with the most powerful interests or unpopular causes.
Because the Constitution is the supreme law of the Republic, the Judiciary stands as its ultimate guardian. Every judgment delivered by a Justice of Appeal must therefore reflect not just technical legal competence, but an unwavering fidelity to that supreme law.
Furthermore, by placing their hands upon sacred religious texts, the Justices invoked a higher accountability. It is a stark reminder that judicial authority is not merely a legal trust, but a profound moral responsibility. Before the Almighty, virtues like honesty, truthfulness, and fairness are not optional attributes, they are non-negotiable requirements of the office.
This high standard is reinforced by the Leaders' Code of Ethics. Public confidence in the Judiciary rests only partially on the technical correctness of a decision; it relies heavily on the perceived independence and unstained integrity of the human being rendering it.
History reminds us that the greatness of a judiciary is never measured by the magnificence of its courthouses, but by the courage of its judges. Some judicial decisions become landmarks that illuminate the legal landscape for generations. Others stand as dark reminders of what happens when principle is sacrificed for temporary expediency. The newly appointed Justices now carry the weight of shaping Tanzania’s permanent jurisprudential legacy.
As the highest court of ordinary jurisdiction, the Court of Appeal occupies a unique place in our society. For most citizens, its decisions are final. Consequently, every judgment carries immense consequences—not just for the litigants involved, but for the development of law and the preservation of public peace.
As these Justices commence their duties, the nation looks to them with deep hope and high expectation. The public expects them to honor the promises made on their day of elevation. The true test of those promises will not be found in the solemnity of the ceremony, but in the trials of the courtroom. Every case heard, every judgment written, and every legal principle articulated will either affirm or diminish the sacred values of their oath.
The oath is not a mere procedural hurdle. It is a lifelong commitment. By remaining faithful to it, these Justices will strengthen the rule of law, protect the vulnerable, and leave behind a legacy worthy of the high office they now hold.
The oath has been taken; the challenge now is to live by it.
By taking the Judicial Oath upon the Holy Bible or the Holy Qur'an, and by subscribing to the Oath of Allegiance and the Leaders' Code of Ethics, these Justices assumed obligations that transcend personal ambition, institutional pressures, and political winds. Their vows represent an unbreakable promise to defend the Constitution and preserve the absolute integrity of the Judiciary.
At the heart of this commitment lies a profound declaration:
"That I will well and truly serve in the office of Justice of Appeal of the United Republic of Tanzania and that I will do right to all manner of people in accordance with the Constitution and the laws and customs of the United Republic of Tanzania, without fear or favour, affection or ill will."
These words embody the very bedrock of judicial independence. They demand that a Justice dispense justice courageously, uninfluenced by political authority, economic power, public clamor, or personal prejudice.
This is perhaps the most enduring principle of judicial service: justice must neither be purchased by influence nor distorted by fear. It must be administered solely according to the law and the evidence brought before the court, standing steadfast even when confronted with the most powerful interests or unpopular causes.
Because the Constitution is the supreme law of the Republic, the Judiciary stands as its ultimate guardian. Every judgment delivered by a Justice of Appeal must therefore reflect not just technical legal competence, but an unwavering fidelity to that supreme law.
Furthermore, by placing their hands upon sacred religious texts, the Justices invoked a higher accountability. It is a stark reminder that judicial authority is not merely a legal trust, but a profound moral responsibility. Before the Almighty, virtues like honesty, truthfulness, and fairness are not optional attributes, they are non-negotiable requirements of the office.
This high standard is reinforced by the Leaders' Code of Ethics. Public confidence in the Judiciary rests only partially on the technical correctness of a decision; it relies heavily on the perceived independence and unstained integrity of the human being rendering it.
History reminds us that the greatness of a judiciary is never measured by the magnificence of its courthouses, but by the courage of its judges. Some judicial decisions become landmarks that illuminate the legal landscape for generations. Others stand as dark reminders of what happens when principle is sacrificed for temporary expediency. The newly appointed Justices now carry the weight of shaping Tanzania’s permanent jurisprudential legacy.
As the highest court of ordinary jurisdiction, the Court of Appeal occupies a unique place in our society. For most citizens, its decisions are final. Consequently, every judgment carries immense consequences—not just for the litigants involved, but for the development of law and the preservation of public peace.
As these Justices commence their duties, the nation looks to them with deep hope and high expectation. The public expects them to honor the promises made on their day of elevation. The true test of those promises will not be found in the solemnity of the ceremony, but in the trials of the courtroom. Every case heard, every judgment written, and every legal principle articulated will either affirm or diminish the sacred values of their oath.
The oath is not a mere procedural hurdle. It is a lifelong commitment. By remaining faithful to it, these Justices will strengthen the rule of law, protect the vulnerable, and leave behind a legacy worthy of the high office they now hold.
The oath has been taken; the challenge now is to live by it.
“Together We Build Our Nation”
