The National Parole Board has recommended 126 inmates to benefit from the parole program this year, in accordance with the Parole Act, Chapter 400.
Commissioner General of Prisons (CGP), Jeremiah Katungu who also serves as Secretary to the National Parole Board announced the decision following a board meeting held in Morogoro.
According to CGP Katungu, the law provides a mechanism that allows eligible prisoners to serve the remainder of their sentences within the community, rather than in custody.
Of the 126 recommended inmates, 123 are men and 3 are women. These names were selected from a total of 159 proposed by regional parole boards, with 33 names ultimately not endorsed.
Katungu explained that the list will now be forwarded to the Minister of Home Affairs, who holds the final authority on parole approvals.
“After the National Parole Board completes its recommendations, the final decision rests with the Minister of Home Affairs, who may approve or reject the proposed candidates,” said Katungu.
He outlined key eligibility criteria as specified by the law, including that inmates must be serving sentences of at least four years and must have completed at least one-third of their sentence behind bars.
He also clarified that certain categories of inmates are ineligible for parole. These include those serving life sentences and individuals convicted of offenses not covered under the Parole Act such as armed robbery, breaches of trust, and drug trafficking.
“These individuals are legally barred from being considered for parole,” he emphasized. “However, for those who are eligible, the program has proven to be highly beneficial in the rehabilitation of offenders, as it also involves the community in the reintegration process.”he added
“Remember, an offender originates from the community. After committing a crime and being imprisoned, the goal is not only to punish but to reform the individual by offering education, life skills, and vocational training so they can reintegrate into society once their sentence is over,” he said.
“This system gives society a role in rehabilitation, by enabling the inmate to serve part of their sentence within the community. It creates a transition period that promotes successful reintegration,” Katungu added.
He noted that parole also reduces the financial burden on the government, which otherwise provides food, clothing, healthcare, and other services to prisoners.
Another advantage, he said, is that parole encourages good behavior among inmates, as only those who demonstrate discipline and positive conduct while in prison are considered for early release.
Regarding concerns about parolees reoffending, Katungu assured the public that the system includes post-release monitoring.
Any parolee who violates conditions is immediately removed from the program and returned to prison.
“In the past five years, not a single parolee has reoffended or been returned to prison for breaching conditions. All those released under this system have complied fully and completed their sentences successfully,” he noted.
He added that the seemingly small number of approved inmates is a result of a rigorous, multi-stage vetting process that begins at the prison level and advances through regional and national parole boards.
Meanwhile, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Sylvester Mwakitalu urged inmates to change their behavior and attitudes in order to qualify for parole. He stressed that the system is based on merit and personal reform.
“I encourage inmates to understand that prison is not just for punishment it is a place for rehabilitation. Many were convicted after making mistakes, but they still have an opportunity. Prisons are now institutions for personal reform,” said Mwakitalu.
“Use this opportunity wisely to improve your character and conduct. Those who change genuinely can benefit from this system,” he concluded.
