Prison legal aid strengthened
DODOMA:THE government has intensified efforts to strengthen legal aid services in prisons as part of broader measures to improve access to justice for inmates and remandees across the country.
The move follows renewed collaboration between the Ministry of Constitutional and Legal Affairs and the Tanzania Prisons Service aimed at enhancing legal support, capacity building and the use of digital technology in the delivery of justice-related services.
Speaking during a meeting between the two institutions in Dodoma on Wednesday, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Constitutional and Legal Affairs, Dr John Jingu, said the partnership reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that justice is accessible to all citizens, including those in prisons and remand facilities.
He said inmates and remandees require legal assistance to understand and effectively exercise their rights in accordance with the country’s laws.
Dr Jingu identified key areas of cooperation as strengthening the capacity of legal aid providers working in prisons through specialised training and professional support to enhance the quality of services offered to beneficiaries.
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He said the collaboration would also focus on improving access-to-justice mechanisms through modern approaches that simplify the delivery of legal services to vulnerable groups.
The Permanent Secretary further emphasised the importance of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in improving efficiency within the justice sector.
According to him, strengthening digital systems will facilitate timely access to information, improve communication and enhance overall service delivery within correctional institutions.
“We are committed to ensuring that legal aid services reach all those who need them, including inmates and remandees, as part of the government’s broader agenda of promoting access to justice and the rule of law,” he said.
For his part, Commissioner General of Prisons (CGP), Jeremiah Katundu, commended the ministry for its continued support to the Prisons Service, particularly in building the capacity of prison officers through training programmes aimed at improving legal aid services.
He said legal assistance provided to inmates and remandees has played a significant role in helping them understand their legal rights and judicial processes, contributing to greater efficiency in the administration of justice within prisons.
Commissioner General Katundu also thanked the ministry for providing ICT equipment that has helped improve communication systems and the execution of daily operations within prison facilities.
The strengthened partnership is expected to enhance the quality of legal services available to inmates while supporting ongoing government efforts to modernise the justice sector through technology and institutional collaboration.
