The Tanzanian government has taken a significant step towards improving access to justice for prisoners and remandees. An agreement between the Ministries of Constitution and Legal Affairs and Home Affairs aims to strengthen the provision of legal services in prisons. This move is expected to help inmates understand their rights, follow the progress of their cases, and access legal assistance. The agreement also promotes the use of digital systems to manage case information and improve access to justice.
The agreement was signed by Minister for Constitution and Legal Affairs Abdallah Hamis Ulega and Minister for Home Affairs Patrobas Katambi. According to Minister Ulega, the partnership will strengthen coordination in providing legal aid to prisoners and remandees. He emphasized that justice should not impoverish a person and that prisoners and remandees have the right to equal access to justice, regardless of their economic circumstances.
The joint action plan outlines the responsibilities of each institution and the expected outcomes, alongside measures to improve the digital management of case information. This will enable prisoners and remandees to understand their rights, legal procedures, and the steps required in their cases. As of May 2026, Tanzania's prisons held 23,514 people, comprising 19,704 convicted prisoners and 3,810 remandees awaiting trial.
The Tanzania Prisons Service has made significant progress in providing legal aid to prisoners and remandees. Commissioner General Jeremiah Yoram Katungu reported that 19,511 prisoners and remandees in seven regions had benefited from legal aid under the Mama Samia Legal Aid Campaign. Additionally, more than 290 personnel, including legal officers, rehabilitation officers, and paralegals, had received training to improve their capacity to deliver the services.
A guide for establishing and operating legal aid desks in prisons was launched during the ceremony to strengthen coordination and supervision. This initiative aims to improve access to legal services for prisoners and remandees, in line with human dignity, equality before the law, and the principles of the rule of law. The agreement is expected to strengthen cooperation among criminal justice institutions.
The online court system has also been successful, with 2,809 cases heard between January 1 and September 30, 2026. A total of 84 prison facilities have equipment to facilitate the service. This development is a significant step towards improving access to justice for prisoners and remandees.
The expansion of legal aid services for prisoners and remandees is a significant milestone in Tanzania's efforts to improve access to justice. The agreement between the Ministries of Constitution and Legal Affairs and Home Affairs is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of prisoners and remandees, ensuring that they receive equal access to justice regardless of their economic circumstances.
Key points
- The Tanzanian government has agreed to expand access to legal aid for prisoners and remandees through a partnership between the Ministries of Constitution and Legal Affairs and Home Affairs.
- The agreement aims to strengthen coordination in providing legal aid to prisoners and remandees, promote the use of digital systems, and improve access to justice.
- As of May 2026, Tanzania's prisons held 23,514 people, comprising 19,704 convicted prisoners and 3,810 remandees awaiting trial.
