Judiciary reforms boost case disposal to 128pc

DODOMA: SWEEPING reforms within the Judiciary have significantly improved case disposal rates, with courts clearing 128 per cent of newly filed cases between September and December 2025.

Speaking to journalists yesterday in Dodoma, the Chief Registrar of the Judiciary of Tanzania, Ms Eva Nkya, said 30,076 cases were filed during the four-month period, while 38,639 were concluded, reducing the backlog to 14,172 cases.

She noted that when the reform strategies were rolled out, there were 22,735 pending cases.

However, strengthened coordination between courts and criminal justice stakeholders has significantly improved case flow management.

“Looking at the number of cases filed and those concluded, we managed to dispose of 128 per cent, which is a major achievement in enhancing justice delivery,” Ms Nkya said.

She attributed the progress to joint strategies agreed upon between the Judiciary and criminal justice stakeholders aimed at improving cooperation and working relations in the administration of justice.

Providing an annual overview, Ms Nkya said that in 2025 a total of 138,368 criminal cases were filed across all court levels, while 145,467 cases were concluded, equivalent to a 105 per cent disposal rate.

The year ended with 14,172 pending cases at all court levels. Of these, 10,684 cases (75 per cent) are less than six months old, while 2,474 cases are one year old or older.

“These are significant achievements in reducing long-pending cases and strengthening justice delivery in the country,” she said.

In another milestone, Ms Nkya revealed that since July 31st last year, no remand prisoners have originated from Primary Courts.

“As of this morning, there is not a single remand prisoner from Primary Courts,” she said.

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She explained that all cases handled at Primary Courts are bailable, unlike higher courts that deal with non-bailable offences.

“This step has not only reduced congestion in remand facilities but also allowed citizens with cases in Primary Courts to continue with their economic activities,” she noted.

Ms Nkya also highlighted the expanded use of digital systems in court proceedings. Between September and December 2025, a total of 5,848 cases were heard through online sessions, while 24,662 cases were handled virtually from January to December 2025.

She said the Judiciary’s electronic case management system (JOT-eCMS) is currently integrated with ten stakeholder systems, with six more in the process of being linked to ensure seamless information exchange.

The system operates from District Courts up to the Court of Appeal, while Primary Courts use a separate platform tailored to their operational framework.

Further reforms include new rules in Resident Magistrates’ and District Courts granting accused persons the right to access prosecution evidence under the Judicature and Application of Laws (Defence Entitlement to Prosecution Evidence) Rules a move aimed at enhancing transparency and expediting case hearings.

Ms Nkya recalled that on September 24th last year, the Judiciary convened a meeting with criminal justice stakeholders and agreed on nine reform strategies, including quarterly coordination meetings.

“The meeting taking place today forms part of implementing those agreed strategies,” she said.