Prisons service pledges stronger community engagement at 64th Anniversary
DODOMA: THE Tanzania Prisons Service has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening community engagement as it marked its 64th anniversary in Kongwa District, Dodoma Region, home to one of the country’s oldest prisons.
Established in 1949 during the colonial era, Kongwa Prison has played a significant role in rehabilitating offenders and helping them reintegrate as productive members of society.
Speaking during the climax of the anniversary celebrations, which began on August 23 under the theme “Collaboration between the Prisons Service and the Community for Effective Rehabilitation,” Kongwa Prison Officer-in-Charge, Senior Superintendent of Prisons (SSP) Tekla Erasto Ngilangwa, highlighted the service’s continued contribution to positive behavioural change among inmates.
As part of the week-long commemorations, the Prisons Service donated essential supplies to the Mlali Centre for children with disabilities in a show of solidarity with vulnerable groups.
SSP Ngilangwa acknowledged the challenges faced by caregivers at the centre and said the support was intended to complement government efforts to improve the welfare of children with disabilities.
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In response, Mlali Centre Director, Father Gaudence Shayo, expressed his gratitude and encouraged the Prisons Service to continue extending its support to marginalised communities.
Echoing this sentiment, Assistant Head Teacher at Kongwa Primary School’s unit for children with hearing and intellectual disabilities, Mr Akulu Mongele said the gesture was a true expression of love and brought great joy to both students and teachers.
The Kongwa District Prisons Service also conducted various community outreach activities during the celebrations, including cleaning health facilities, donating blood and providing assistance to orphans, people with disabilities and other vulnerable individuals.
The Tanzania Prisons Service was officially established on August 25, 1931, following the separation of functions between the Police Force and the Prisons Department. Prior to this, the Police were responsible for both maintaining law and order and managing prison operations, primarily in service of colonial interests.
In its early days, the Prisons Department operated under a colonial framework that often-subjected inmates to harsh treatment and forced labour, regardless of whether the work was beneficial to the individual or to the nation.
Today, the Tanzania Prisons Service continues to evolve, focusing on rehabilitation, human rights and reintegration of offenders into society with growing efforts to collaborate closely with communities.
