Govt, LSF ink deal to boost access to legal aid

DODOMA: THE Ministry of Constitution and Legal Affairs has signed a tripartite agreement with the University of Dodoma (UDOM) and the Legal Services Facility (LSF) aimed at strengthening access to legal aid services nationwide, particularly under the Mama Samia Legal Aid Campaign (MSLAC).

The agreement, signed yesterday in Dodoma, marks a major government step towards strengthening the justice system, expanding access to legal services and ensuring vulnerable citizens, especially those unable to afford legal representation are able to realise their rights.

Speaking after the signing ceremony, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Constitution and Legal Affairs, Mr Eliakim Maswi, said the demand for legal aid services continues to grow due to evolving social, economic and legal challenges, making strategic partnerships increasingly vital.

“Today’s signing is a testament to the sixth phase government’s commitment to strengthening the rule of law, expanding access to justice and building inclusive systems that guarantee every Tanzanian timely and fair justice regardless of economic, social or geographical status,” Mr Maswi said.

He noted that many lowincome Tanzanians, women, the elderly, persons with disabilities and residents of remote areas miss out on justice not because they lack valid claims, but due to the high cost of legal processes.

Under the new collaboration, Mr Maswi said, partners will focus on enhancing legal literacy, conducting in-depth research on access to justice and establishing a Regional Integrated Legal Aid Service Centre in Dodoma.

“This centre will serve as a key hub for integrated legal services, providing representation to citizens who cannot afford private lawyers and acting as a referral point for all district councils in Dodoma Region,” he explained.

He added that the ministry continues to implement systemic interventions such as the Mama Samia Legal Aid Campaign to reach citizens in rural and periurban areas.

According to Mr Maswi, the campaign reached all 31 regions, including Zanzibar, last year, covering all councils and at least three wards in each region.

Through the initiative, 4.1 million citizens were reached, with land disputes accounting for 70 per cent of the conflicts identified, followed by inheritance and marriage-related cases.

“With this new agreement, we are resuming the campaign with renewed strength to reach even areas that were previously underserved,” he said.

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On LSF’s role, Mr Maswi said the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will significantly strengthen the national paralegal framework through capacity building, provision of modern tools, digital systems and improved infrastructure to enhance efficiency and accountability.

On her part, LSF Executive Director, Ms Lulu Ng’wanakilala, said the organisation remains a key partner in the MSLAC, citing notable progress in legal awareness and community-level conflict resolution.

“Through this MoU, we reaffirm our commitment to support the ministry in legal literacy, national research, policy dialogue and mobilisation of resources to sustain legal aid services,” she said, adding that financial, institutional and policy sustainability remains LSF’s top priority this year.

For his part, UDOM Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic, Research and Consultancy, Professor Razack Lokina, said the agreement reinforces the university’s role as a strategic partner in governance, justice and development.

He noted that since the introduction of UDOM’s Law Programme in 2009, the university has actively provided legal aid to communities through awareness campaigns, legal drafting and representation under supervised student clinics.