TPS can be Africa’s role model, Katambi says
DODOMA: MINISTER for Home Affairs Patrobas Katambi has said that the Tanzania Prison Service (TPS) has the potential to become a model institution in Africa and globally through its work in rehabilitating inmates and undertaking various production activities.
Mr Katambi made the remarks recently while addressing prison officers and warders during his visit to the Prison Service Headquarters in Dodoma.
The visit marked his maiden official engagement with the service since being appointed and sworn in by President Samia Suluhu Hassan to lead the docket.
He acknowledged the significant work being carried out by the Tanzania Prison Service, including major transformations in the use of technology, agriculture, livestock keeping and the adoption of clean cooking energy in prisons, as well as the service’s substantial contribution to national development.
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“I congratulate our Prison Service Commissioner General, CGP Jeremiah Katungu, and the entire institution. You are doing a commendable work, particularly in inmate rehabilitation, the use of clean cooking energy, application of technology in agriculture and livestock, and the use of CCTV systems and modern screening machines (walk-through scanners) in our prisons,” said Mr Katambi.
In another development, the minister expressed satisfaction with the construction of 12 new prisons in districts that previously had none, pledging to improve staff welfare. He also issued directives, including ensuring that prison land is surveyed and issued with title deeds, and increasing production to enable the service to become self-sufficient in food.
Meanwhile, Commissioner General of Prisons, CGP Katungu, thanked Mr Katambi for visiting the Prison Service, saying the institution continues to carry out its core responsibilities of providing safe custody for inmates, preparing and implementing rehabilitation programmes, offering remand services, and advising the government.
CGP Katungu added that the service is implementing recommendations of the Criminal Justice Commission, including developing new curricula, deploying social welfare officers in prison facilities, improving laws and the organisational structure of the service, expanding the use of clean cooking energy, applying technology and adopting ejustice systems.
Among other achievements, CGP Katungu highlighted cooperation between the Prison Service and institutions such as the Institute of Accountancy Arusha (IAA) and VETA, which has enabled more than 400 inmates to receive certificates after completing various courses while in prison.
“We have entered into cooperation agreements with VETA and the Institute of Accountancy Arusha. Through this collaboration, more than 400 inmates have benefited by obtaining certificates after completing their training while in prison,” said CGP Katungu.
“We also sincerely thank the government for continuing to support the Prison Service in various areas, including transport facilities, improved farming tools, staff training, new recruitments and promotions,” he added.
