Mama Samia Legal Aid Campaign brings relief, resolution to Dar residents

DAR ES SALAAM: IN a powerful display of hope and resilience, hundreds of Dar es Salaam residents gathered for the second consecutive day on Tuesday to receive legal assistance, following the launch of the Samia Legal Aid Campaign on Monday.

Samia Legal Aid Campaign is a government-led initiative aimed at bringing free legal services closer to Tanzanians facing long-standing legal challenges.

Held in the city’s heart, the event drew people from all walks of life many clutching documents, others with stories of years of frustration. But above all, they came carrying hope.

Among them was Khalifa Khamis, a resident of Mbagala Kizuiani, who could not hide his gratitude after receiving assistance with a long-standing land boundary dispute.

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“This service is truly a blessing. We were heard and our challenge was resolved. We have been struggling with this issue for years and had lost valuable property. But today, within hours, justice has been served. We thank President Samia for seeing the pain in our communities,” he said.

He added that beyond resolving disputes, the campaign helps to restore broken relationships in neighbourhoods, torn apart by unresolved legal matters.

“Many people stopped speaking to each other because of these unresolved issues. This campaign is healing our communities,” he said.

Also present was Hanifa Khalfan from Visegeze, Kisarawe, who has been battling a compensation issue since 2012. Ms Khalfan and others were displaced from their land to pave way for industrial investment, yet despite signing contracts and receiving 30 per cent compensation over a decade ago, the remaining payments never came.

“I have been here since morning. I have explained my case, and they have guided me on the next steps. After completing the required procedures, I will return for further follow-up. For the first time in years, I believe I will get justice,” she explained.

From Kitunda in Ilala District, Safia Risasi arrived seeking help for a legal problem that has haunted her since 2015. “I have struggled for ten years,” she said, her voice filled with emotion. She added: “I have been to many places and knocked on countless doors, yet found no help.

I believe this campaign will finally provide the support and solutions I’ve been searching for.” For Hemedi Amanzi, a resident of Kitonga, Mtongola Ward in Ilala District, the campaign offered a glimmer of hope after decades of fighting a land dispute dating back to 1994.

“A company took over our land, leaving us in limbo ever since.  We felt abandoned by the Ministry of Lands, but now, through this campaign, I finally have hope for a resolution,” he said.

Mr Hemedi commended President Samia for the initiative, especially in reaching citizens who cannot afford private legal representation.

“For some of us who have no money to pay lawyers are finally getting full support. President Samia has remembered us,” he added.

As the Samia Legal Aid Campaign continues to roll out across the country, it’s already proving more than just a service, it is a lifeline. From resolving land disputes and inheritance issues to social welfare and justice matters, the campaign is not only addressing legal bottlenecks but also rebuilding trust between citizens and the justice system.

For many, like Khamis, Hanifa, Safia and Hemedi, this campaign is a new chapter, a chapter where justice is no longer a distant dream, but a right within reach.