The Citizen (Dar es Salaam)
29 October 2008
editorial
Mr Justice Damian Lubuva, an eminent jurist who has worked at the top level in the Judiciary since 1984, has just begun his retirement.
He first served as a High Court judge before being appointed the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice.
But it was at the Court of Appeal, where he served for the 15 years. He was a pioneer in the Law Reform Commission, making a countrywide tours in 1984, along with his colleagues, to seek public opinion on legal reforms.
At the time, it required a minimum of presidential encouragement and judicial bravery to even start talking about where the law should be changed and for what reason.
But it was the late Chief Justice Francis Nyalali, who cleared those fears, when he listed 40 existing pieces of legislation as "bad laws".
This made life easier for those engaged in law reform. Even as he sits back and enjoys his retirement, there will be plenty that the much-tested judicial mind may be required from time to time to help the country on.
His first calling will definitely be within his own profession, but he may also act as a consultant for various groups.
Mr Justice Lubuva has already shown that he remains vigilant in defence of the independence of the Judiciary, an issue that he felt obliged to address in his parting remarks as a member of the bench.
We hope his sentiments did not fall on deaf ears.
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