CJ calls for institutional reforms in civil justice

DODOMA: CHIEF Justice Professor Ibrahim Hamis Juma has urged institutions involved in civil justice to implement significant reforms and strategies to fully contribute to the achievement of the goals outlined in the National Development Vision 2050.

Prof Juma made the call during the Law Day celebrations in Dodoma yesterday, where President Samia Suluhu Hassan was the guest of honour.

“Achieving the goals of Vision 2050 will heavily depend on the reforms within civil justice institutions to ensure Tanzania reaches its goal of becoming a middle-income economy at the highest level,”Prof Juma said.

“Institutions managing civil justice must play a leading role in executing the national transformation agenda set by Vision 2050.

” The Chief Justice said that promoting wealth, improving the quality of life and eradicating poverty cannot be successful if public institutions fail to reform.

He noted that the dream of a prosperous, balanced and self-sufficient Tanzanian society is unattainable without substantial internal changes in public institutions, aligned with Vision 2050.

“The Tanzania Vision 2050 cannot address the challenges of climate change and population growth without transforming relevant institutions and practices,” he explained.

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“Additionally, the benefits of information and communication technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), cannot be fully realised without major changes within these institutions.”

Prof Juma also noted that Tanzania’s Judiciary recognises the guidance of the National Development Vision 2025, which took effect in 2000.

In line with this, the Judiciary has made significant improvements in its justice delivery system. “We have strengthened three pillars of reform: better resource management, timely access to justice and maintaining public trust in the judiciary while encouraging stakeholder participation,” he said.

However, the Chief Justice underscored that the Judiciary must undergo further changes in thinking and attitude to effectively implement the Vision 2025 Strategic Plan and Reform Programmes.

Continuous reforms, he noted, require a shift in mindset and culture in service delivery. Judiciary employees, he stated, are now working collaboratively to achieve measurable results based on professionalism, communication and consultation. The goal is to provide services that meet the expectations of stakeholders and the public.

Attorney General (AG) Hamza Johari also spoke at the celebration, emphasising the importance of all institutions advocating for justice working toward the goals outlined in Vision 2050.

He noted the vision’s focus on transforming Tanzania into a high-income, stable, resilient and inclusive economy, aiming to eradicate poverty, improve citizens’ well-being, empower women, youths and people with disabilities and establish a transparent and accountable governance system.

“These goals can only be realised if every citizen receives justice without any barriers from the relevant institutions handling legal claims,” he said.

Tanganyika Law Society (TLS) President Boniface Mwabukusi praised the Judiciary for its significant infrastructure development and investment in technology, which has streamlined case management and hearings.

He described these efforts as exemplary, making the justice system more accessible to all, regardless of location. Mwabukusi also urged the government to improve the welfare of magistrates, warning that financial stress among judicial officers could affect their impartiality and decisionmaking, ultimately undermining the justice system.