President Samia Suluhu Hassan has challenged State Attorneys to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and patriotism, saying their legal advice remains a critical safeguard for public resources and effective governance.
Opening the 2026 Annual General Meeting of the Government Attorneys Association on Monday, the President said the legal profession carries a strategic responsibility in protecting the country's interests by ensuring government decisions are legally sound and contracts are properly scrutinised before they are signed.
"A lawyer's pen, when used effectively, can prevent losses before they occur, protect a contract from becoming a burden to the government and guide the State towards decisions that serve the national interest," President Samia said.
She urged government lawyers to remain impartial guardians of national resources by providing accurate and timely legal advice guided by professionalism, patriotism and the public interest.
The President also reaffirmed the government's commitment to strengthening the capacity of State Attorneys through professional development and improved working conditions.
President Samia commended the Office of the Attorney General for reforms aimed at strengthening contract review mechanisms, improving legislative drafting and legal translation, expanding legal aid services and increasing public access to legal education through law clinics.
She said the initiatives had enhanced governance by supporting the implementation of development programmes and broadening citizens' access to justice.
The President singled out the ongoing translation of laws into Kiswahili as a significant milestone in making the legal system more accessible.
"When citizens understand the law, they understand their rights, their obligations, the limits of their freedoms and the extent of government authority. That is the essence of the rule of law," she said.
President Samia said Tanzania's Development Vision 2050 would require a modern legal framework capable of supporting a competitive, inclusive and innovation-driven economy.
"A legal system that inspires confidence, protects investments and promotes innovation is essential to achieving the country's long-term development ambitions," she said.
Minister for Constitution and Legal Affairs Juma Zuberi Homera said the ministry continued to work closely with the Government Attorneys Association through the Office of the Attorney General, including providing office space for the association at the ministry's headquarters in Mtumba, Dodoma.
Outgoing Association President Bavoo Junus said government support had enabled the association to strengthen the performance of State Attorneys and improve the delivery of legal services across public institutions.
He added that the association would continue participating in legal aid programmes nationwide to improve public understanding of legal rights and access to justice.
The annual meeting, which opened on July 13 in Arusha, also features leadership elections for the association, scheduled for July 14.
