President Hakainde Hichilema has urged newly sworn-in judges and judicial officials to uphold integrity, impartiality and speed in the delivery of justice, warning that while society respects the judiciary, judicial officers are not above the law.
Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony of 40 judges for the Constitutional Court, High Court, Supreme Court and Court of Appeal, as well as the Clerk of the National Assembly, President Hichilema commended the judiciary for what he described as a tremendous job in safeguarding the country, while assuring them that government is responding to longstanding concerns affecting the sector and remains committed to doing more despite economic pressures.
The Head of State says the business of government does not stop despite only days remaining before the general elections, stressing that those in the executive must remain sensitive to challenges affecting other arms of government, particularly the judiciary, which he acknowledged has been stretched and unable to address some of its operational challenges.
President Hichilema says courts must be well staffed, responsive to the needs of society and ensure justice is delivered faster, fairly and accessibly to all citizens, noting that delays in the justice system remain concerning.
He has described the appointments as reflective of national unity, saying regional inclusion remains important and that the days of exclusion are over, insisting diversity is a national strength rather than a weakness.
He noted that government had deliberately brought in a younger generation of judges to ensure long-term continuity in the justice system.
He also cautioned judges against using social media in ways that compromise the dignity of their office, expressing concern over judicial officers communicating or extending invitations to the President through such platforms, urging them to move away from the practice in order to maintain public confidence and institutional respect.
He further underscored the role of Parliament in strengthening justice delivery, saying lawmakers must enact laws that are clear and not confusing to judges.
By Victoria Kayeye Yambani
