The government has urged Tanzanians to increasingly embrace Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms as a faster and more amicable way of resolving disputes, saying the approach complements the formal court system while promoting social harmony and improving access to justice.
Speaking to journalists at the Ministry of Constitutional and Legal Affairs pavilion during the 49th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (Sabasaba) on July 1, Deputy Minister for Constitutional and Legal Affairs Zainabu Katimba said the ministry is using the exhibition to bring legal services closer to the public through legal advice, civic education and awareness programmes.
She encouraged members of the public to visit the ministry's pavilion to obtain legal guidance and better understand their rights and responsibilities under the law.
"I invite all Tanzanians to visit the Ministry of Constitutional and Legal Affairs pavilion to receive legal services, professional advice and information on their rights and responsibilities," Katimba said.
She explained that while courts remain the constitutionally mandated institutions for administering justice, ADR offers an effective alternative that enables parties to settle disputes amicably without lengthy court proceedings.
According to Katimba, ministry officials are engaging directly with visitors at the exhibition to help them identify the most appropriate legal channels for resolving disputes while safeguarding their legal rights.
During her visit to the pavilion of the Law Reform Commission, the Deputy Minister underscored the commission's role in reviewing and modernising laws to keep pace with Tanzania's changing social, economic and technological environment.
She said the government is committed to ensuring that the country's legal framework remains responsive and supports national priorities, including the implementation of Tanzania's Vision 2050 and the growth of the digital economy.
At the Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance pavilion, Katimba stressed that public awareness should focus not only on citizens' constitutional rights but also on their civic responsibilities.
"Every Tanzanian's rights end where another person's rights begin. Citizens must understand that alongside claiming their rights, they also have a constitutional duty to protect the nation and fulfil their obligations as provided under Article 27 of the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania," she said.
The Deputy Minister also visited the Law School of Tanzania, where she was introduced to a new electronic learning system designed to improve students' preparation for examinations and strengthen the quality of legal education.
She said the initiative would help produce highly competent legal professionals capable of delivering quality legal services to Tanzanians.
While touring the Registration, Insolvency and Trusteeship Agency (RITA) pavilion, Katimba commended the agency for improving public service delivery through digital technologies, noting that the reforms have significantly reduced the time required to obtain birth certificates.
She urged wananchi to visit the ministry's pavilion early during the Sabasaba exhibition to access legal advice and government services instead of waiting until the final days of the fair.
Katimba also highlighted the ongoing implementation of the Mama Samia Legal Aid Campaign, which aims to expand free legal aid services across the country.
She encouraged people facing legal challenges including land disputes, family conflicts, inheritance matters, divorce cases and other legal issues to utilise the free legal assistance available at the ministry's pavilion.
She reaffirmed the government's commitment to strengthening Tanzania's justice system by ensuring that all citizens have timely, affordable and equitable access to legal services.
