‘Sema na Waziri’ resolves over half of public complaints

DODOMA: THE ‘Sema na Waziri’ programme has recorded a steady rise in public complaints, with more than half of the cases already resolved since its launch in March this year.

Minister for Constitutional and Legal Affairs, Juma Zuberi Homera, said the government remains committed to ensuring openness, accountability and timely service delivery, noting that the initiative has become a critical bridge between citizens and the ministry.

Providing an update on Wednesday in Dodoma, Dr Homera said the platform, officially launched on March 17, 2026, enables wananchi, especially those in remote areas, to submit legal grievances, opinions and requests for assistance directly to the minister without bureaucratic delays.

He said the public response demonstrates growing trust in the initiative, adding that the ministry has received 67 complaints through ‘Sema na Waziri’, in addition to 2,277 cases handled through the ministry’s Customer Service Centre. Dr Homera assured the public that all complaints are being handled professionally and transparently.

“I want to assure citizens that the ministry is fully prepared to address all complaints submitted through this programme. We have qualified experts capable of reviewing and resolving legal matters thoroughly and fairly,” he said.

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According to him, land disputes account for the largest share of complaints at 31.3 per cent, followed by labour and employment disputes (19.4 per cent), civil claims (13.4 per cent) and requests for legal aid (7.4 per cent).

A similar proportion involves inheritance-related matters, while 21.1 per cent falls under other categories, including criminal cases, alternative dispute resolution, extension of time applications and gender-based violence.

Of the 67 complaints lodged so far, 38 cases (56.7 per cent) have already been resolved, while 29 (43.3 per cent) are progressing through various stages of legal review and intervention.

Dr Homera highlighted several cases demonstrating the programme’s impact. In Mwanza, a DIT campus student, Salma Omari, experienced delays in accessing her academic results due to course registration discrepancies. The ministry intervened and engaged the institution’s management to fast-track the matter.

In Morogoro, Joyce Samson, who had been accused of child abduction after assisting a lost child, faced threats and harassment. The ministry has formed a team of legal experts and partnered with Mzumbe University to ensure the case is handled lawfully and her safety protected.

Another case involves Rahim Mussa Ngema from Mtwara, who lodged a long-standing land compensation complaint. The ministry has already written to the Ministry of Lands in a letter dated April 20, 2026, to expedite the matter.