Mama Samia Legal Aid initiative expands services to more regions

KATAVI: MAMA Samia Legal Aid Campaign, aimed at improving access to justice across Tanzania, has expanded to three additional regions: Katavi, Mtwara and Geita.

The initiative, which offers free legal services, aims to make legal support more accessible and address key community issues.

In Katavi, the campaign was launched by Regional Commissioner Mwanamvua Mrindoko, with services running from January 24 to February 2, 2025.

Speaking at the launch in Mpanda municipality, she emphasised the initiative’s significance in resolving legal challenges such as land disputes, inheritance issues and gender-based violence.

She encouraged citizens to participate, highlighting how legal education can reduce community conflicts and promote formal legal processes.

Ms Mrindoko commended President Samia Suluhu Hassan for driving the campaign, noting its importance in strengthening the justice system and empowering communities.

She explained that the initiative would be rolled out across 45 wards, 226 streets and 114 villages in Katavi, ensuring access to justice for underserved communities, particularly lowincome individuals and marginalised groups.

Legal services will be provided through local community development offices.

Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Constitution and Legal Affairs, Mr Franklin Rwezimula, highlighted the campaign’s objective of making justice accessible to all Tanzanians.

Aligned with the Legal Aid Act of 2017, the initiative addresses common legal issues such as land disputes, marital conflicts and gender-based violence.

It aims to reduce court backlogs and promote peaceful dispute resolution through training and direct services.

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Member of Parliamentary Committee on Good Governance, Constitution and Legal Affairs, Mr Boniface Butondo stressed the campaign’s role in raising awareness about genderbased violence, land and inheritance disputes and human rights.

Since its launch in 2023, the campaign has reached 11 regions, making significant progress in bridging the justice gap.

This year, it has expanded to six more regions, including Rukwa, furthering its mission to ensure legal aid is accessible nationwide. In Geita, RC Mr Martine Shigella urged religious leaders and civil society organisations to encourage citizen participation.

The campaign, which has already reached 779,191 people, including 389,000 women and 396,000 men, offers crucial legal support to those unable to afford professional services.

He emphasised that the aid is not limited to women and children but available to all citizens who face legal challenges.

Residents in Mtwara praised the initiative, noting that it would help low-income individuals access the legal system.

One of residents, Mr Philip Nyagariro, expressed gratitude for the free services, which would help many who struggle with the financial costs of legal aid. Ms Rose Ferdinand, another local, welcomed the opportunity to resolve her legal issues without financial barriers.

Mtwara RC Colonel Patrick Sawala encouraged district leaders to promote the campaign in rural areas to ensure broad participation.

He mentioned common legal challenges in Mtwara, such as land grabbing and domestic violence, which the campaign seeks to address.

Launched under the Ministry of Constitution and Legal Affairs, the three-year initiative has already provided free legal services to over 775,119 citizens across 11 regions, including Dodoma, Mara, Njombe and Singida, among others.

This initiative marks a significant step towards ensuring legal aid reaches every Tanzanian, regardless of financial status.