ADA-TADEA pledges sweeping reforms to Tanzania’s prison system  

SHINYANGA: THE presidential candidate for the ADA-TADEA party, Georges Bussungu, has pledged sweeping reforms in the country’s prison system if elected President, promising to equip inmates with life skills training and provide stipends for every task they perform, so they can use the earnings as startup capital upon release.

Speaking to residents of Kahama District in Shinyanga Region today as part of his ongoing campaign trail, Bussungu said his administration would transform the prison system from being purely punitive into centers for rehabilitation and human development.

“Many inmates leave prison without any practical skills to support themselves, and as a result, they often return to crime. My government will ensure that every prison becomes a vocational training center offering skills in trades like mechanics, agriculture, tailoring, carpentry, and computer literacy—so that inmates can reintegrate and become self-reliant,” said Bussungu.

He further explained that one of the main challenges faced by former inmates is the lack of employment opportunities, which often pushes them back into criminal activity. To address this, he promised that his government would equip prisoners with skills and small startup capital to help them begin income-generating activities upon release.

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Bussungu criticized the current prison system for failing to rehabilitate inmates, arguing that it instead perpetuates criminal behavior. He proposed a new approach where each inmate would receive training tailored to their abilities and personal needs.

He also pledged to foster partnerships between prisons, vocational training colleges, and youth development institutions to ensure the quality and effectiveness of the training programs.

In conclusion, Bussungu emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government, private institutions, and society in supporting former inmates to rebuild their lives:

“A prisoner is not the enemy of the nation, but a citizen who made a mistake. We must help them reform, become economically independent, and return as productive citizens who contribute to national development.”