Government attorneys have been urged to uphold justice, work professionally, and offer sound legal advice to their leaders in order to serve the nation effectively.
Speaking in Dodoma on April 15, 2025, while officiating the Annual General Meeting of the Government Attorneys Association, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Dr. Doto Biteko, emphasized the critical role of government lawyers in safeguarding the rule of law and guiding national leadership.
"My appeal to you, government lawyers, is to carry out your responsibilities in line with your legal training and commitment to justice," said Dr. Biteko.
"It is your duty to advise fairly and work without fear. Go and defend your government, offer wise counsel, and always do what is just."
He further reminded the attorneys that their work must not only protect state interests but also inspire public confidence in the justice system.
“Let justice be your friend,” he said. “Even when people are found guilty and punished, they should acknowledge that the judgment was fair and deserved.”
Dr. Biteko applauded the attorneys and stakeholders who have established and run Regional and District Legal Advisory Committees and offered free Legal Aid Clinics in Dodoma, Kilimanjaro, and Mwanza.
He also commended the contributions of civil society organizations such as the Tanganyika Law Society (TLS), Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC), Tanzania Legal Aid Providers (TANLAP), Legal Services Facility (LSF), and Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC), along with international partners including UNDP and UN Women.
“The government recognizes the immense work done by civil society organizations in providing legal support to citizens,” he stated.
Highlighting broader government initiatives to improve access to justice, Dr. Biteko outlined various efforts including the recruitment of legal officers, government attorneys, and magistrates, as well as the construction of legal service centers, the establishment of free legal aid clinics, and professional development for legal personnel.
In a forward-looking directive, he instructed the Attorney General to address the association’s challenges, such as securing land for a permanent headquarters and supporting the establishment of legal training hubs in Dodoma and Arusha.
Meanwhile, Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Hon. Dr. Palamagamba Kabudi, praised President Samia Suluhu Hassan for revitalizing the legal sector through transformative initiatives, including the Mama Samia Legal Aid Campaign.
“President Samia has taken significant steps to ensure justice is available for all, including strengthening criminal justice and expanding legal aid services,” he said.
Dr. Kabudi emphasized the importance of the annual gathering as a platform for professional engagement.
“This meeting provides an opportunity for lawyers to share insights, discuss their welfare, and build professional camaraderie,” he said.
He also urged attorneys to maintain moral integrity, saying: “Be friends of God, not just friends of the court. Do what is right and speak the truth when fulfilling your duties.”
Attorney General Hamza Johari thanked President Samia for her continued support of the association since its establishment.
“It is now our responsibility to protect this association and ensure it meets its objectives,” he noted. He announced that the association had adopted a five-year strategic plan and that its membership had grown from 2,652 to 3,760 registered government attorneys as of April 9, 2025.
Zanzibar’s Attorney General, Dr. Mwinyi Talib Haji, called on government lawyers to maintain ethical standards.
“Let us work with integrity and uphold the law to build a strong and peaceful society,” he said, adding that legal institutions must collaborate to complement the efforts of both President Samia Suluhu Hassan and President Hussein Ali Mwinyi in improving community welfare and national progress.
President of the Government Attorneys Association, Mr. Amedeus Shayo, shared the association’s achievements, including the development of an electronic membership fee collection system and enhanced collaboration with legal institutions.
“President Samia has remained a strong symbol of justice through her Legal Aid Campaign,” he said. “Her directive for attorneys to defend the economy with their pens has laid the foundation for impactful legal reforms, such as improvements to the Investment Act.”
Former Attorney General and High Court Judge, Dr. Eliezer Feleshi, also expressed gratitude to President Samia for launching the association in 2022.
“This association will remain a strong professional body because of the government’s vision and the commitment of its lawyers,” he said. “It is a legal army tasked with defending our nation’s economy through law and the written word.”
The annual meeting brought together government attorneys from ministries, agencies, public institutions, and state-owned entities under the theme: “Rule of Law in Government Functions is a Key Pillar for Achieving the Goals of the National Development Vision 2050.”
