Land, marital disputes top legal concerns at public service week

DODOMA: LAND inheritance and marital disputes have emerged as the most pressing legal issues facing Tanzanians, following the number of citizens who sought help at the Ministry of Constitution and Legal Affairs pavilion during this year’s Public Service Week.

Speaking to reporters, the Assistant Director for Public Legal Services in the ministry, Mr Abdulrahman Mshamu said at least 231 people received legal support at the ministry’s booth since the start of the Public Service Week on June 16, 2025 with majority of complaints relating to land disputes.

“Most citizens who visited our booth came seeking legal advice or assistance in resolving existing conflicts. From the data we have gathered. including those from the ongoing Mama Samia Legal Aid campaign, land disputes remain the leading concern,” said Mr Mshamu.

He noted that inheritance matters also featured prominently, especially in cases where conflicts over land arise among beneficiaries.

“Inheritance becomes even more complex when it involves land, which often leads to prolonged family disputes,” he said.

Marital conflicts were also a significant concern raised by visitors. Mr Mshamu said the ministry views the recurring disputes as an opportunity for the government to intervene strategically.

“As a ministry, in collaboration with other sectoral ministries, we are paying close attention to these areas so we can work together to provide sustainable solutions. The ultimate goal is to build a peaceful, law-abiding Tanzania that understands and upholds its constitution,” he stressed.

Mr Mshamu revealed that the ministry will also be present at the Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF) at Sabasaba grounds and later at the Nane Naneagricultural exhibitions.

“The services we are offering here will continue to be available during the upcoming exhibitions,” he added.

ALSO READ: Land disputes herald Mama Samia Legal Aid campaign in Kagera region

He further said the Mama Samia Legal Aid Campaign currently ongoing in Dar es Salaam has successfully completed its first phase in the region and is now preparing for the second phase.

The initiative, championed by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, aims to ensure legal services reach all citizens, regardless of their location.

To enhance its outreach, the ministry has established a dedicated customer service centre designed to receive legal queries, complaints and challenges from the public.

“We have launched a nationwide campaign to publicise our contact numbers so that people know where and how to access legal assistance,” said Mr Mshamu.

He explained that the ministry’s centre is equipped with modern technology that records conversations, transcribes them into written documents and creates individual case files for proper follow-up.

“As a ministry, we are aligning with the Prime Minister’s directive on adopting digital systems. We are already using several digital platforms, including those that register alternative dispute resolution (ADR) providers,” he noted.

The ministry is placing particular emphasis on ADR, which Mr Mshamu said has proven effective in resolving long-standing disputes.

“ADR helps to avoid lengthy court procedures and encourages reconciliation, allowing parties to remain on good terms even after the conflict is resolved,” he said.

He cited an example from the Mama Samia Legal Aid campaign where a land dispute lasting over 20 years was peacefully resolved using ADR methods, enabling estranged relatives to finally reconcile.

Moreover, the ministry operates a digital registration system for paralegals, ensuring proper coordination of community-based legal aid providers.

He said all systems are being integrated into the Government e-Service Bus (GovESB) as part of broader efforts to streamline public service delivery