MOROGORO: MINISTER for Constitution and Legal Affairs, Dr Damas Ndumbaro has directed the departments and institutions under his office to conduct thorough research and propose recommendations aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of ward tribunals across the country, ensuring they better serve the public.
He said that the ward tribunals play vital roles in resolving disputes efficiently, provided they function optimally.
Dr Ndumbaro issued the directives yesterday during the launching of Samia Legal Aid campaign in Morogoro.
“We need to improve certain areas in our legal system. One of the areas I am directing the Permanent Secretary and all ministry institutions to focus on is the ward tribunals. According to the 1985 Ward Tribunals Act, every ward has a tribunal. These tribunals are essential and if they work well, many disputes and issues could be avoided,” he said.
He added: “I am instructing that research be conducted and recommendations be presented to the government to implement significant reforms for these tribunals,”.
Dr Ndumbaro stressed the importance of modernising ward tribunals to align with contemporary needs and serve all citizens effectively, reducing and resolving conflicts.
Speaking on the launched legal aid campaign in the region, Dr Ndumbaro urged residents to take advantage of the professional services to resolve conflicts hindering economic activities and threatening peace and stability.
“Morogoro is a region with diverse ethnic groups and various economic activities, which have contributed to conflicts, especially over land between farmers and pastoralists. Through Samia Legal Aid, we aim to end these conflicts. Farmers and pastoralists should live peacefully and respect each other,” said Dr Ndumbaro.
He said that Morogoro residents will have the opportunity to consult lawyers over a nine-day period benefiting from free legal education and assistance.
He noted that legal aid initiative is also focused on addressing environmental degradation in Morogoro, noting that the region serves as the headquarters of environmental conservation, contributing 81 per cent of the water flowing into the Mwalimu Nyerere Dam, which is vital for power generation.
“The campaign’s slogan is “Legal Aid for Justice, Equality, Peace and Development”. A society that maintains justice fosters equality and where equality exists, mutual respect thrives,” he said.
He added: “respect brings peace, thus by advocating for justice and equality through this campaign, we aim to protect the peace we have enjoyed since our nation’s founding.”
Dr Ndumbaro highlighted that the campaign is part of implementing President Samia’s 4Rs strategy to promote reconciliation and resilience in addressing existing conflicts in the region.
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The Minister also stressed the importance of drafting wills and working to dispel the misconception that writing a will is only associated with imminent death. He encouraged the community to utilize the campaign to gain knowledge on wills, inheritance and marital issues.
He also addressed the challenge of gender-based violence in the community, noting that the legal aid campaign provides education on combating issues such as rape, defilement, early pregnancies and domestic abuse against women.
He noted that the campaign has so far reached 11 regions, with plans to cover approximately 20 others. On his part, Kilombero District Commissioner, Mr Dustan Kyoba expressed the region’s readiness to embrace the campaign due to its significant need for legal aid.
Mr Kyomba represented the Morogoro Regional Commissioner, Mr Adam Malima.
He called on all regional leaders to create conducive environments for implementing the campaign and serving Morogoro residents effectively.
