MTWARA: The Mama Samia Legal Aid Campaign, an initiative aimed at improving access to justice across Tanzania, is set to kick off in Mtwara Region this Friday.
The campaign, which will run from January 24 to February 2, 2025, focuses on bringing legal aid services closer to citizens and addressing key legal issues affecting communities.
Speaking during the launch of a training session for 100 coordinators from nine councils in Mtwara, Regional Administrative Secretary ( RAS), Ms Bahati Geuzye emphasized the importance of the initiative.
He explained that the coordinators will be trained to assist citizens in resolving various legal challenges, such as disputes over land, inheritance, and gender-based violence.
“When citizens are educated on legal matters, it reduces conflicts within communities and promotes the use of formal legal processes where necessary,” she noted.
She also commended President Samia Suluhu Hassan for championing the campaign and ensuring legal aid services reach underserved communities.
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Representing the Ministry of Constitution and Legal Affairs, Assistant Director of Public Legal Services Mr Abdulrhaman Mshamu highlighted the campaign’s broader objective: to ensure justice is accessible to all.
He noted that the initiative is aligned with the Legal Aid Act No. 21 of 2017, which mandates the government to provide legal aid services to its citizens.
The campaign’s focus areas include raising awareness about gender-based violence, addressing land and inheritance disputes, promoting alternative dispute resolution methods, and educating the public on human rights.
“This campaign not only helps individuals navigate legal challenges but also strengthens the justice system by empowering communities with the knowledge and tools to seek legal recourse,” Mr Mshamu said.
Since its launch in 2023, the Samia Legal Aid Campaign has reached 11 regions, making significant strides in bridging the justice gap.
This year, the campaign will expand to six additional regions, including Mtwara, as part of ongoing efforts to ensure that legal aid services are accessible to all Tanzanians.
