The Minister of Constitution and Legal Affairs, Abdallah Ulega, has directed the Ministry of Constitution and Legal Affairs, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Tanzania Prison Service to ensure that legal aid desks are established and strengthened in the headquarters of the Prison Service, regional offices, and prisons nationwide. This move aims to enable inmates and suspects to access legal aid services in a timely manner. The minister emphasized the importance of using information and communication technology to facilitate the monitoring of cases, management of information, and communication between institutions involved in the administration of justice.
The directive is part of the Sixth Phase Government's commitment to ensuring that inmates and suspects receive their constitutional rights, regardless of their economic status. Ulega made the remarks during the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Constitution and Legal Affairs and the Ministry of Home Affairs on the provision of legal aid services in prisons, held in Dar es Salaam. He stressed that the agreement should not be a document to be kept in a cabinet but should be implemented in practice to ensure that inmates and suspects receive accurate information about their rights and obligations, legal advice, and assistance in preparing documents and representing them in court.
Ulega emphasized that even when a person is in custody or prison, they are still entitled to respect for their rights, and institutions involved should ensure that these services are available and provided efficiently. The Minister of Home Affairs, Patrobas Katambi, said that 19,511 inmates and suspects in seven regions have benefited from legal aid services provided by the Prison Service. The regions include Dodoma, Manyara, Shinyanga, Simiyu, Ruvuma, Singida, and Njombe. Katambi noted that the services are part of efforts to strengthen access to justice, reduce congestion in prisons, and increase the efficiency of the criminal justice system.
Katambi explained that the legal aid services are aimed at implementing the constitutional right of every citizen to defend themselves or be defended. He cited Article 13 of the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania, which provides for this right. The Minister said that some people face challenges in their cases due to failure to express themselves properly, present important documents, or link evidence that can support their defense. He noted that legal aid will help inmates and suspects understand the steps to be taken in their cases, including using legal avenues to appeal where necessary.
The Prison Service has reported that over 290 officials, including law officers, correctional officers, and legal assistants, have received training to provide legal aid services efficiently. The use of virtual court services has also facilitated the hearing of cases involving inmates and suspects, with 84 prison stations equipped with the necessary technology. Statistics show that from January 1 to September 30, 2026, a total of 2,809 cases were heard through this system. The use of virtual court services has reduced the costs of transporting inmates and suspects to court, minimized risks associated with transportation, and facilitated timely hearings.
The implementation of the memorandum of understanding is expected to further strengthen the provision of legal aid services in prisons, while regular monitoring and evaluation are expected to help identify challenges and ensure that the rights of inmates and suspects are protected in accordance with the law, dignity, and equality. The government has assured that it will monitor the implementation of the agreement to ensure that it achieves its intended objectives.
The provision of legal aid services in prisons is a significant step towards promoting access to justice and protecting the rights of inmates and suspects in Tanzania. The government's efforts to strengthen the provision of these services are expected to have a positive impact on the lives of thousands of inmates and suspects across the country.
Key points
- The Tanzanian government has ordered the establishment and strengthening of legal aid desks in prisons nationwide to provide timely assistance to inmates and suspects.
- Over 290 officials have received training to provide legal aid services efficiently, and virtual court services have facilitated the hearing of cases involving inmates and suspects.
- The implementation of the memorandum of understanding is expected to further strengthen the provision of legal aid services in prisons and promote access to justice.
