On March 26, 2026, the Institute of Legal Practice and Development (ILPD) marked a transformative milestone in the African legal landscape with the official launch of the ILPD Alumni Association. The event, held at the Institute’s headquarters in Nyanza, brought together hundreds of legal professionals, members of the judiciary, and international delegates signaling a transition from a center of training to a lifelong pillar of professional influence.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Yves Sezirahiga, Vice Rector in charge of Academic Affairs, set a strong tone for the new association. He emphasized that the launch was not merely ceremonial, but a strategic evolution of the Institute.

“From today onward, ILPD does not end with certification. It evolves into a lifelong identity,” Dr. Sezirahiga declared.

He noted that with a body of more than 4,712 highly trained legal professionals, the association is no longer just a network, but a force capable of shaping legal systems and influencing policies. He challenged alumni to move beyond individual excellence and embrace collective transformation to strengthen justice sectors across the continent.

The newly elected President of the Alumni Association, the National Prosecutor, Mr John Bosco Siboyintore, accepted the mandate with a commitment to teamwork and growth. Representing graduates from 19 countries, Siboyintore highlighted the international reach of ILPD as follow: “We want to ensure that through marketing and networking, we expand the numbers of ILPD graduates,” he stated. “ILPD has shared values and knowledge; we will work as a team to ensure you are not let down.”

A key highlight of the event was a technical lecture by Niceson Karungi, Country Director for Synergy International Systems Inc. and an expert in e-justice. Her presentation underscored that while Africa is making significant progress in digitizing justice systems, the journey is still evolving. She emphasized the importance of carefully integrating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), while addressing legal, ethical, and practical challenges to ensure effective and trustworthy justice delivery.

The launch also featured a compelling address by Professor Denis Bikesha, Chief Editor of the Rwanda Law Journal, who formally “commissioned” the Alumni as ambassadors of both ILPD and the legal profession.

“The Rwanda Law Journal was highlighted as a critical platform for bridging theory and practice. Alumni were encouraged to actively contribute research and publications, reinforcing the journal’s role in shaping legal discourse and practice in Rwanda.” Professor Bikesha noted, urging alumni to actively contribute research and publications to shape legal discourse in Rwanda.

He further called on Alumni to support disadvantaged law graduates who are unable to afford ILPD training. With a strong alumni base, he proposed the creation of collective scholarship initiatives to expand access to legal education and strengthen the profession.

Dr. Aimé Muyoboke Karimunda, Rector of ILPD, officially launched the association and reminded that per the ILPD’s Strategic Plan the elected committee will also be acting as an advisory board to the Institute. Drawing comparisons to prestigious global institutions such as Harvard University and University of Oxford, he emphasized that the value of a professional degree is closely tied to the reputation of its institution.

“The more the value of your institution increases, the more that of your degree increases,” he cautioned.

Dr. Karimunda also celebrated the achievements of ILPD alumni, noting that some hold top national positions, including Chief Justice and President of the Senate. He extended special appreciation to delegates who traveled from countries such as Ghana, The Gambia, and Uganda to attend the ceremony in Nyanza.

The event concluded with a clear call to action. The ILPD Alumni Association is now entrusted with becoming a guardian of professional ethics, a hub for continuous legal education, and a key contributor to justice sector reforms in Rwanda and beyond.

This launch marks not just the formation of an association, but the beginning of a new chapter one defined by collective responsibility, professional excellence, and lasting impact.

Elected Alumni Network Committee and also Acting  Advisory Board of the ILPD