The Ministry of Constitution and Legal Affairs and the Tanzania Prisons Service have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening access to justice through expanded legal aid services, enhanced use of technology and greater collaboration in the administration of the country's criminal justice system.
Speaking during a high-level meeting between officials from the ministry and the Prisons Service in Dodoma on June 3, Permanent Secretary Dr. John Jingu praised the growing partnership between the two institutions, describing it as crucial to ensuring that prisoners and remandees receive legal support in accordance with the law.
Dr. Jingu said the ministry would continue working closely with the Prisons Service to improve legal aid delivery, build the capacity of legal officers and strengthen the implementation of alternative sentencing measures aimed at reducing congestion in correctional facilities.
He noted that the government’s broader objective is to ensure that prisons hold only individuals who are legally required to remain in custody while expanding the use of lawful alternatives for eligible offenders.
"The goal is to ensure justice is delivered fairly and efficiently while making full use of available legal mechanisms that support rehabilitation and reduce overcrowding in prisons," he said.
The meeting focused on reviewing progress and identifying new areas of cooperation in the provision of legal aid and justice services within prisons.
Commissioner General of Prisons Jeremiah Yoram Katungu said the partnership has become increasingly important in advancing the government's efforts to make justice services more accessible to all citizens, including those in custody.
He said the collaboration covers several areas, including legal training for prison officers, strengthening legal aid programmes for inmates and addressing legal challenges faced by prisoners and remandees.
A key milestone highlighted during the discussions was the expansion of the e-Court system, which allows certain court proceedings to be conducted virtually while inmates remain inside prison facilities.
According to CGP Katungu, the innovation has reduced transportation costs, improved operational efficiency and eased logistical challenges associated with moving prisoners between courts and correctional facilities.
He revealed that 84 prisons across Tanzania are now connected to the e-Court system, with the Ministry of Constitution and Legal Affairs providing information and communication technology equipment to 30 of those facilities.
The investment, he said, has accelerated the hearing of cases and strengthened timely access to justice.
CGP Katungu also underscored the Prisons Service's legal obligation to facilitate legal aid services under the Legal Aid Act and its accompanying regulations.
He said legal professionals have been deployed in all 129 prisons nationwide, as well as in regional prison offices and at the Prisons Service headquarters, where the Legal and Prison Operations Division oversees legal affairs.
In addition, legal aid desks have been established and strengthened across correctional facilities to ensure inmates receive prompt legal assistance while safeguarding their rights under the law.
The meeting forms part of ongoing government efforts to modernise the criminal justice system and enhance coordination among institutions responsible for delivering justice, with the ultimate aim of improving public confidence in the rule of law and ensuring equitable access to legal services.
