Speaking after swearing in nine judges elevated from the High Court to the Court of Appeal, the country’s highest judicial body, President Samia said impartial justice was critical to safeguarding citizens’ rights, maintaining national stability and strengthening democratic governance.

The remarks come as Tanzania continues to pursue judicial and governance reforms aimed at improving investor confidence, expanding access to justice and reinforcing institutional accountability amid rising international attention on governance standards across developing economies.

“Every decision you make has great weight not only for the parties involved but also for our institutions, the conduct of society and the broad interpretation of the law in the country,” Samia said during the ceremony at State House in Dar es Salaam.

The judges sworn in were Imani Aboud, Rabia Mohamed, Dr Yose Mlyambina, Immaculata Banzi, Cyprian Mkeha, Yohane Masara, Dr Juliana Masabo, Abdi Shaaban Kagomba and Mzee Ibrahim.

President Samia said the appointments reflected the confidence the Judicial Service Commission had in the judges’ professionalism, competence and integrity, adding that several had risen steadily through judicial ranks during her administration.

“I think today is the second or third time I am swearing in some of you, meaning that during the time I have been here, you have risen through different levels to reach this stage,” she said.

She urged the judges to remain independent and avoid bias or political influence while carrying out their constitutional responsibilities.

“You have sworn to work without favouritism, love or hate. Therefore, look carefully at yourselves when making decisions and judgments,” she said.

Legal analysts say judicial independence has become increasingly important across Africa as governments seek to balance economic reforms, political competition and public demands for accountability.

Tanzania, one of East Africa’s fastest-growing economies, has in recent years introduced reforms aimed at modernising courts, improving efficiency in case handling and widening access to justice, measures viewed as important for both domestic governance and foreign investment confidence.

President Samia said justice remained the foundation of peace, economic progress and social stability, adding that judges were custodians of constitutional rights and public trust.

“This responsibility is not just a position, it is a duty to protect the rights of Tanzanians in all the decisions you make,” she said.

She also described judicial service as both a national and moral responsibility.

“By serving humanity, you are serving God,” she said.

Since taking office in 2021, Samia has sought to project a reform-oriented leadership style, easing some political restrictions, promoting reconciliation and expanding engagement with international partners and investors.

Her administration has also prioritised institutional reforms in sectors including justice, governance and public administration as Tanzania seeks to position itself as a stable investment destination in East Africa.

The president said the government would continue strengthening the judiciary to improve efficiency and ensure timely delivery of justice across the country.

“In that context, your appointment as judges of the Court of Appeal is part of those efforts to increase efficiency in this important area,” she said.

She further called on the judges to protect the dignity, credibility and independence of the judiciary while promoting ethics, discipline and accountability within the institution.

“This freedom is valuable when it goes hand in hand with justice and efficiency,” she said.

The Court of Appeal serves as Tanzania’s highest judicial authority, with rulings that shape legal interpretation, governance standards and institutional conduct nationwide.

Notes to Editors

– The story is primarily about institutional governance rather than a routine swearing-in ceremony.

– The emphasis on judicial independence comes at a time when governance, accountability and rule-of-law standards are receiving increased attention across Africa.

– The government is linking judicial reform to broader objectives including:

investor confidence

public trust

administrative efficiency

democratic governance.

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