Legal aid resolves prison-pastoralist land dispute in Katavi
KATAVI: THE Mama Samia Legal Aid Campaign (MSLAC) has successfully resolved a dispute between Kalilankulunkulu Agriculture Prison and a pastoralist from Kawanzige Village in Tanganyika District, Katavi Region.
As part of the resolution, 31 cattle that had been seized for illegal entry into the prison facility were returned to their owners.
Speaking at the handover of 29 cattle to their rightful owner, Mr Maganga Ntina, Ministry of Constitution and Legal Affairs Coordinator, Ms Salome Mwakalonge, praised the prison facility’s management for pardoning the pastoralists and returning the livestock.
“The MSLA team found that the pastoralists had been illegally grazing on prison land. However, Prison Facility Head (SSP Joseph Mkalaba) decided to pardon them and returned 29 cattle to Ntina and four oxen to another pastoralist,” she said.
The campaign, launched by Regional Commissioner Mwanamvua Mrindoko, ran from January 24 to February 2, 2025, with the goal of expanding access to justice, providing legal aid and resolving disputes for marginalised individuals.
“The campaign aims to offer legal education, resolve long-standing disputes and ensure justice for those who cannot afford legal services,” Ms Mwakalonge added, commending President Samia Suluhu Hassan for championing the initiative.
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The initiative covered 45 wards, 226 streets and 114 villages in Katavi, handling cases such as land disputes, inheritance conflicts, marital issues, gender-based violence and child abuse. SSP Mkalaba explained that the facility had initially seized 33 cattle due to illegal entry.
“We called the owners three times to resolve the dispute, but they remained defiant, so we reported the matter to the police,” he noted.
Kawanzige Village Chairperson, Mr Emmanuel Machela, welcomed the MSLA initiative, praising its efforts in resolving disputes without financial barriers.
Residents also expressed appreciation, with Mr Adam Joseph highlighting the initiative’s role in helping low-income individuals access justice.
Launched in April last year by Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa in Dodoma, the Mama Samia Legal Aid Campaign aligns with the Legal Aid Act of 2017 to provide free legal services, reduce court backlogs and promote peaceful dispute resolution.
This initiative marks a significant step toward ensuring legal aid reaches every Tanzanian, regardless of financial status.
