Reforms in justice sector see Tanzanian courts resolve 166,000 cases, release 13.1tri/-

DODOMA: THE Tanzanian government has stepped up reforms in the justice sector, with courts resolving over 166,000 cases and unlocking 13.1tri/- into the economy, as part of efforts to ensure timely and equal access to justice.

Presenting the 2026/2027 budget in Parliament in Dodoma today, the Minister for Constitution and Legal Affairs Dr Juma Homera said the ministry, in collaboration with the Judiciary and its institutions, has continued to strengthen justice delivery systems through legal, structural and operational reforms.

He said between July 2025 and March 2026, a total of 205,038 cases were filed in courts, out of which 166,553 were heard and concluded, while 38,485 are at various stages.

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Additionally, he said that expediting case hearings remains a key priority, adding that a special exercise conducted in October and November 2025 cleared 2,973 economic and commercial cases, releasing 13.1tri/- previously tied up in disputes back into circulation.

Dr Homera further said the ministry processed 36 applications for the release of offenders with mental health conditions, all of which were approved, while two out of four applications for juvenile detainees under presidential custody were granted. Additionally, 49 out of 63 applications for extension of time to file cases were concluded, with 14 still under review, and 129 out of 130 prisons—equivalent to 98.8 per cent—were inspected during the period.