Arusha — Many Tanzanians lose their rights because they are either ignorant of the law or cannot hire private lawyers but the government is planning a law that will make provision of legal aid more formal.

Addressing the Legal Aid Day rally at Makumbusho Grounds in Arusha last Saturday, the guest of honor advocate Alute Mughwai, Secretary General of Tanganyika Law Society (TLS) said the government was aware of the many people who lose their rights, either because of ignorance of the law or some other reasons and is taking action on that.

Advocate Mughwai said legal aid was important in serving justice in Tanzania adding that initially a special scheme to help people denied of their rights would be established and overseen by the Legal Sector Reform Programme (LSRP). In the same vein, he said, the government was considering enacting a Legal Aid Act.

On the now crucial issue of writing a Will, Advocate Boniface Maro of Maro and Advocates said a Will is a legal paper that describes who receives ones probate property after his/her death. A will is typically prepared by a lawyer, and is signed by in front of at least two appropriate witnesses and a notary public. One should be at least 18 years old and of sound mind to sign a Will.

A will directs how ones probate property will be distributed upon the person's death. It does not normally include property owned in joint tenancy with right of survivorship, nor "payable on death" accounts with banks and other financial institutions, nor life insurance proceeds.

Advocate Maro said avoiding family disputes, revealing important information, minimizing possible legal issues, and minimizing taxes are some of the issues emphasizing the importance of writing a Will.

.More than 100 people in need of legal aid on Saturday met specially arranged lawyers. Some had land, labour or inheritance complaints.

The event was organised by the Tanganyika Law Society (TLS).

Some of the residents who attended activities of the

Legal Aid Day in Arusha last Saturday (Photo by Raymond John)