Mama Samia legal Aid team visits 7 councils in Mbeya

MBEYA: THE Mama Samia Legal Aid campaign commenced today in Mbeya, aiming to provide free legal aid services to residents across the region for the next 10 days.

The campaign will cover all districts in the region, ensuring that all seven municipal councils receive legal assistance.

Speaking at the launch, Mbeya Regional Commissioner Juma Homera, who was a guest of honor, emphasized the campaign’s significance in expanding access to justice, particularly for marginalized areas.

“This initiative has proven to be crucial in other regions where it has been implemented. I urge residents to take advantage of this free service to resolve their legal disputes and gain legal education,” he said.

He also announced that birth certificates will be issued to all primary school children, while 16,000 residents have been notified via SMS to collect their national identification cards at designated centers during the campaign.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Constitution and Legal Affairs, Eliakim Maswi, revealed that as of January 2025, the campaign had already reached 17 regions.

He said in February, the initiative expanded to five more regions, starting in Mwanza on February 18.

He added that, today, the campaign is also being launched in the Coast Region, while Rukwa will follow tomorrow, bringing the total to 22 regions.

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He said the remaining regions Arusha, Tanga, Kagera, and Dar es Salaam will be covered in the next phase.

“This is a major step in ensuring access to justice for vulnerable citizens who cannot afford legal services. The ministry is committed to ensuring that by May 2025, this campaign will have been fully implemented in all regions of mainland Tanzania,” Maswi said.

He also stressed that the campaign is completely free, with the government covering all costs to help citizens understand and exercise their legal rights.

On his part, Mbeya CCM Regional Chairman Patrick Mwalunenga commended the campaign, noting that it will help address longstanding legal challenges in the region.

“Many disputes, especially land conflicts, stem from our own behaviors and attitudes. We must change how we handle these matters,” he said.

He also pointed out that corruption and lack of integrity among some legal practitioners contribute to the persistence of many legal disputes.

“If justice had always been served fairly, the President wouldn’t have needed to bring this initiative. Now that it’s here, Mbeya residents must take full advantage of it. If you have concerns about your documents, the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (TAKUKURU) is also present to assist. Government officials from various departments are here to provide solutions, so let’s use this opportunity to resolve our issues,” he urged.