In the Banjul Magistrates’ Court, Magistrate Muhammed Krubally presides over criminal and civil cases using a combination of assistive technology, auditory cues, and his clerk’s support. Since his appointment in 2016, Krubally has become a trailblazer in the Gambian judiciary, having overseen more than 1,000 cases while navigating a legal system that was not originally designed for a visually impaired official.
Bridging the Accessibility Gap
Krubally, 41, utilizes specialized tools such as JAWS (Job Access With Speech) screen-reading software and AI-enabled smart glasses to review documents and perform his duties independently. Despite his success, he emphasizes that his presence on the bench is not merely a personal achievement but a push for systemic change. He advocates for broader inclusion, noting that while he has adapted to the courtroom, the institution itself often lacks the necessary infrastructure to support people with disabilities.
The Gambia passed the Persons with Disabilities Act in 2021, which mandates non-discrimination and accessibility in public services. However, advocates and professionals—including Krubally and others in education and government—report that implementation remains inconsistent. Challenges persist in providing adequate resources for students with visual impairments and ensuring that public institutions, such as parliament and the courts, offer the tools required for independent participation.
A Call for Institutional Change
Krubally, who also serves as president of the Gambia Federation of the Disabled, continues to mentor young people with visual impairments, proving that professional aspirations are attainable despite societal barriers. While he has spent a decade successfully adapting to the demands of the judiciary, he maintains that the true measure of progress will be when the system itself evolves to accommodate all citizens, ensuring that inclusion is defined by the means to participate rather than just the opportunity to enter.
