Rwandan Justice Geraldine Umugwaneza has been elected President of the East African Magistrates’ and Judges’ Association (EAMJA) during its 21st annual conference. She will serve a non-renewable two-year term, bringing her extensive experience in justice and reconciliation to the regional body.
Umugwaneza’s career highlights include her role as a Supreme Court Judge and her contributions to the gacaca courts, which facilitated post-genocide justice and reconciliation in Rwanda. She also championed women’s rights, advocating for inheritance and property laws that empowered thousands of widows affected by the genocide.
Her leadership extends beyond Rwanda; she has served as Deputy Registrar of the East African Court of Justice and led humanitarian initiatives, such as the “One Dollar Campaign,” which raised funds to build homes for genocide orphans.
Despite losing much of her family in the genocide against Tutsi, Umugwaneza’s work reflects a commitment to justice, forgiveness, and rebuilding her nation. As EAMJA President, she is expected to strengthen regional judicial collaboration and uphold the rule of law.
