The Ministry of Constitutional and Legal Affairs has tabled a Sh774.79 billion budget request for the 2026/27 financial year, outlining an ambitious plan to expand access to justice and modernise the country’s legal system.
Presenting the proposals in the Parliament of the United Republic of Tanzania on April 24, 2026, the Minister for Constitutional and Legal Affairs, Dr. Juma Homera, said the funding will support the ministry, the Judiciary and its institutions in improving the speed and quality of justice delivery.
A large share of the budget Sh636.56 billion has been set aside for recurrent expenditure, while Sh137.42 billion will finance development projects focused on strengthening legal infrastructure and services.
The government is placing strong emphasis on taking legal aid closer to the people, particularly in rural and underserved communities where access to such services remains limited. The approach reflects a growing recognition that justice systems must be accessible not only in law but also in practice.
In a bid to build a more coordinated and responsive legal system, the ministry plans to develop a National Civil Justice Policy alongside a comprehensive Legal Sector Master Plan.
These frameworks are expected to guide long-term reforms and improve institutional efficiency.
Efforts to raise public awareness will also be intensified, with nationwide programmes targeting legal literacy on criminal justice, legal aid and constitutional rights.
The campaigns aim to empower citizens with knowledge of both their rights and responsibilities under the law.
The ministry is further prioritising alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms, seen as a practical way to ease the burden on courts and resolve conflicts more quickly.
If effectively implemented, ADR could significantly reduce case backlogs and improve public confidence in the justice system.
Additional reforms will focus on strengthening estate administration, improving the registration of wills and establishing a formal registry for insolvency practitioners areas that have long faced administrative gaps.
Training for legal professionals is also set to expand, signalling a push to build capacity within the sector and ensure that reforms translate into tangible improvements in service delivery.
The proposed budget signals the government’s continued commitment to legal sector reforms, with a clear focus on making justice more accessible, efficient and responsive to the needs of all Tanzanians.
