Mpango puts shysters on notice
VICE-PRESIDENT Dr Philip Mpango has urged the Tanganyika Law Society (TLS) and the Advocates Committee to take strict disciplinary and legal measures against advocates who undermine the reputation of the legal profession through their lack of integrity and morality.
He made the call while gracing the TLS Annual General Meeting held at Arusha International Convention Centre (AICC) in the city, yesterday.
Dr Mpango stated that some lawyers have been suspected in engaging in acts of corruption and fraud for their personal gains, including betraying clients by accepting bribes from the other side.
Additionally, the Vice-President urged TLS to work with the Ministry of Constitution and Legal Affairs to provide public education on an Advocate’s stamp and seal, so as to protect the general public from the exploitation of unprofessional ones usurping such authorities in the administration of oaths and notarisation of documents.
He further instructed all private as well as government institutions to use electronic advocate stamps and seals to stop the unethical practice.
Likewise, Dr Mpango said that it is the duty of the legal sector and institutions to continue analysing, identifying and making recommendations for laws that need to be amended or rewritten in the country.
“It is good to put more effort into providing legal education through lectures, radio, television and social networks to eliminate the problem of people, who lose their rights due to a lack of understanding of the law,” said the VP.
He added, “Lawyers in the country, as well as relevant institutions should continue with the spirit of giving back to the community by volunteering to help citizens, who cannot afford to pay court fees,”
Dr Mpango said that the sixth phase government has a sincere mission to ensure that its citizens are treated fairly according to the law and live in peace and stability in the country.
He congratulated TLS for supporting Mama Samia Legal Aid Campaign as well as establishing the Tanzania International Arbitration Centre (TIAC) to resolve various disputes outside the court, nationally and internationally.
“This step is important in reducing costs, the accumulation of consultations, time to resolve disputes and attract investment in the country,” he said.
In his remarks, the Minister for Constitution and Legal Affairs, Dr Damas Ndumbaro encouraged TLS members to fully participate in the new constitutional writing process as well as changes of laws related to politics, elections and democracy, as members possess extensive experience in these areas.
In order to ensure that a new constitution is found that will benefit the nation for many years to come, he has invited TLS members to provide advice and cooperation since the government is ready to utilise its expertise and experience.
Earlier giving a report on the performance of TLS, the outgoing president of the association, Professor Edward Hoseah, said that the leadership of TLS has placed importance and priority on having constructive cooperation with the government and stakeholders which has been of great benefit to both parties.
In addition, he said that the association has played a significant role in the law reforms in the country, particularly through its involvement in various commissions formed by the President. These include the taskforce that assessed the state of politics and democracy in the country and the commission to improve the system of criminal justice institutions.
“The constructive cooperation between TLS and the government has enabled the acquisition of a plot in Dodoma region as well as the decrease in the wave of arrests of lawyers in this country,” he said.
The theme of the TLS Annual Conference was Accessing Justice in Tanzania: The Role of the Legal Sector Institutions in Delivery and Access to Justice.
