The Institute of Legal Practice and Development (ILPD) held its 14th Graduation Ceremony at the Intare Cultural Centre on 27 March 2026, bringing together government leaders, judicial figures, partners, families, and graduands to celebrate the achievement of 436 graduates in legal practice, tax investigation, and child justice.

The ceremony marked the graduation of 392 students in the Diploma in Legal Practice (DLP), 26 in Child Justice, and 18 in Tax Investigation. It also featured the inaugural graduation of the Tax Investigation programme and the official launch of ILPD’s Alumni Network.

Chief Justice Emeritus Prof. Sam Rugege, Chairperson of the National Advisory Board on Alternative Dispute Resolution, delivered a graduation speech on the role of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), particularly mediation, in modern justice systems. He urged graduates to embrace mediation as a practical, efficient, and relationship-preserving method of resolving disputes.

Prof. Rugege emphasized that ADR is deeply rooted in African traditions of dialogue and reconciliation and aligns with Rwanda’s constitutional framework promoting social cohesion and efficiency in justice delivery. Highlighting national progress, he noted a significant reduction in court case backlog due to mediation and plea bargaining mechanisms. He reminded graduates: “The modern lawyer must be more than a litigator. He or she must also be a peacemaker.”

Delivering the keynote address, Honorable Dr. Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, Minister of Justice and Attorney General, congratulated the graduates and emphasized that their success marks not only academic completion but also entry into a profession anchored in responsibility, integrity, and service to society. He underscored the evolving role of law in addressing social and economic priorities, noting that legal practice today extends beyond courtrooms into areas such as child protection, financial accountability, and international legal cooperation.

Dr. Ugirashebuja also stressed the importance of adapting to technological transformation, stating: “The future of the legal profession will be shaped not only by knowledge, but by a strong sense of responsibility. Where justice appears uneven, there is a responsibility to contribute to its balance.”

Dr. Aime Muyoboke Karimunda, Rector of ILPD, outlined the Institute’s transformation strategy, centered on four objectives: enhancing professional legal training, developing a research-driven knowledge hub, building a technology-enabled learning environment, and ensuring institutional sustainability.

He announced the launch of the ILPD Alumni Network as a strategic milestone to strengthen professional fraternity and institutional development. He also highlighted ongoing academic innovations, including new certificate programmes in corporate governance, refugee law, mediation, and law for non-lawyers.

The Rector further emphasized ILPD’s growing academic footprint, including the Rwanda Law Journal’s progress toward international indexing and partnerships with global publishers. He called on graduates to embrace research, writing, and intellectual engagement, cautioning against declining critical thinking in the digital age and the risks posed by unchecked reliance on artificial intelligence.

Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Representative Adams Shema reflected on the meaning of the achievement and the responsibility it carries. He emphasized that justice extends beyond formal institutions and begins with personal integrity, professional conduct, and service to society. “Our certificates represent more than qualifications. They represent commitments,” he said, calling on graduates to uphold professionalism, humility, and lifelong learning. 

The ceremony featured recognition of outstanding academic performers across all programmes, with winners awarded through partnerships with leading law firms. This reflected ILPD’s strong collaboration with the justice sector and private legal practice community.

Both the Rector and Minister of Justice jointly acknowledged key institutional partners supporting ILPD programmes, including development and training stakeholders, host universities, and justice sector institutions.