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There are moments in a leader’s life when a position is not sought, but instead comes as the result of the trust that others have placed in him.
That was the case on September 14, 2026, at the conference hall of the Headquarters of the Judiciary of Tanzania, where members of the Tanzania Magistrates and Judges Association (TMJA), Court of Appeal Branch, met to discuss various matters concerning their association and, collectively, made the important decision to entrust Justice Ferdinand Wambali with the responsibility of becoming the new Chairperson of the branch.
Justice Wambali takes up the position following the retirement of the branch’s former Chairperson, Justice Shaaban Lila. The election was overseen by the Patron of the TMJA Court of Appeal Branch, Hon. Augustine Mwarija.
But behind this brief report of an election lies a much broader story. It is a story of trust, composure, wisdom and leadership.
For Mwanakwetu, who knows Justice Wambali as a calm and thoughtful judge, a man who does not act hastily in matters before him, the decision by TMJA members carries an important message.
The members did not simply elect a Chairperson. They chose someone they believe can carry the responsibility of being their voice and representing their professional and operational interests within the association.
And that is where the significance of this decision lies.
Leadership within TMJA is leadership of a professional association that brings together judges and magistrates. The Chairperson of a branch has the responsibility of coordinating the association’s activities, listening to and representing matters affecting members, and helping to create an environment that promotes professional development, welfare and ethical standards.
Therefore, Justice Wambali enters this position carrying a new responsibility entrusted to him by his colleagues.
Every new leadership comes with new expectations. For the TMJA Court of Appeal Branch, the election of Justice Wambali could mark the beginning of another chapter of leadership—a chapter that may bring new ideas, renewed energy and fresh momentum in addressing issues affecting members.
Those issues may include working conditions, the welfare of judges and magistrates, training, professional development, ethical standards and other matters affecting members.
The decision to elect Justice Wambali is what inspired Mwanakwetu to write this article, with a sense of envy and admiration for TMJA members for having secured a leader who appears capable and possesses qualities worthy of such responsibility.
Mwanakwetu’s envy comes from the fact that, if he too were a son of the Judiciary, he would have the opportunity to experience the wisdom of Justice Wambali’s leadership. But Mwanakwetu is simply a journalist.
I know that some leaders within the Judiciary, because they spend much of their time behind the walls of the courts, may sometimes assume that society does not know them. But Mwanakwetu says:
“We know you. We understand you, because you are our brothers and sisters.”
Therefore, the responsibility entrusted to Justice Wambali is not simply about occupying the Chairperson’s seat. It is a responsibility to lead by listening, to represent with wisdom and to build through unity.
The Court of Appeal holds an important position within Tanzania’s justice system. For that reason, leadership of a professional association at that level also carries considerable weight.
The Chairperson must be someone capable of bringing people together, listening to different perspectives and handling the affairs of the association with wisdom and balance.
And this is where the composure associated with Justice Wambali may prove to be one of his greatest assets.
Leadership is not about making noise. Leadership is the ability to listen, reflect and take action at the right time.
For Mwanakwetu readers, it is also important to understand the distinction between these two responsibilities. Justice Wambali will continue to serve as a Justice of the Court of Appeal, and his primary judicial responsibility will remain the same—to hear and determine cases in accordance with the law, the evidence and his judicial conscience.
The Chairpersonship of TMJA is a leadership position within a professional association; it is not an authority to interfere with a judge’s independence in deciding cases.
Respect for the Judiciary is also strengthened by recognizing that distinction.
Therefore, for Mwanakwetu, the news of September 14, 2026, is not merely a story about an election. It is a story about trust. It is about colleagues looking at one of their own and saying:
“We trust you to carry this responsibility.”
It is the story of a judge who, over the years, has built his reputation through his work, his composure and the manner in which he has carried out his responsibilities, and who has now been entrusted with another responsibility—to lead his colleagues within their professional association.
Justice Ferdinand Wambali, congratulations on being entrusted with this responsibility.
This is a great responsibility, but I believe that your wisdom, composure and experience will be among your greatest strengths in carrying it out.
May God guide you and grant you wisdom, good health and strength as you take on this new responsibility.
Congratulations to TMJA on the election. Congratulations to the members for the trust they have placed in you. And above all, congratulations to Justice Wambali on this new chapter of leadership.
Remember:
“We trust you to carry this responsibility.”
Mwanakwetu
makwadeladius@gmail.com
0717 649 257
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