The Tanzania Prisons Service has called on members of the public to stop stigmatizing former inmates and instead support their reintegration into society by offering them equal opportunities in economic and social activities.
The appeal was made by the Officer in Charge of Pawaga Prison in Iringa Region, Senior Superintendent of Prisons (SSP) Jawadu Abdallah, who said inmates are engaged in various vocational and life skills training programmes while serving their sentences.
He explained that the training is designed to prepare inmates to become responsible, disciplined, and self-reliant citizens after their release, stressing that successful reintegration depends largely on community acceptance and support.
SSP Abdallah said rehabilitation efforts within prisons are aimed at transforming offenders into productive members of society, noting that without public acceptance, the impact of such programmes remains limited.
He urged communities to change negative perceptions about former inmates and instead recognize the potential they have to contribute to national development when given a second chance.
Meanwhile, Pawaga Prison has recorded notable achievements in agricultural production, particularly in rice farming under irrigation systems.
SSP Abdallah said the prison has managed to produce enough rice to supply 11 regions across the country, alongside livestock projects involving cattle and goats.
He said the institution’s long-term strategy is to achieve full food self-sufficiency through effective utilization of its 270 hectares of land.
During the 2024/2025 farming season, the prison cultivated 200 hectares and harvested 3,808 sacks of rice, which were distributed to regions including Mara, Shinyanga, Singida, Dodoma, Iringa, Njombe, Mbeya, Songwe, Ruvuma, and Mtwara.
Prisons Inspector and farm supervisor at Pawaga Prison, Yusuph Kuchepa, said the production has contributed significantly to food security in the beneficiary regions, ensuring stable supply throughout the year.
On livestock development, Prisons Inspector Shaban Kibari, a livestock specialist, said inmates are actively involved in animal husbandry under close supervision.
He noted that they are trained in modern practices including animal health care, milking, calf management, and general livestock production skills.
According to him, the objective is to equip inmates with practical knowledge that can help them earn a living and reintegrate successfully into their communities after release.
A clear example of the rehabilitation programme’s success is Ambrose Msakwa, a resident of Pawaga who previously served a prison sentence.
After reintegrating into society, he has regained community trust and was elected to oversee the Mkombozi Irrigation Scheme, a project valued at over TZS 56 billion.
Msakwa said his life after prison was challenging at first, but through determination and support, he has managed to rebuild his reputation and contribute meaningfully to community development.
He called on society to avoid discrimination against people who have completed their sentences, emphasizing that they remain equal members of the community with the potential to drive positive change.
He also commended the government for strengthening rehabilitation programmes within correctional facilities, saying they play a crucial role in equipping inmates with skills needed for self-reliance and reintegration.
