Dodoma — The government has acknowledged that many citizens living in remote and hard-to-reach areas remain excluded from essential justice services due to longstanding structural challenges.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Constitution and Legal Affairs, Mr Eliakim Maswi cited shortage of personnel, limited infrastructure and inadequate legal aid facilities as key challenges that continue to deny vulnerable groups access to justice.
He was speaking recently in Dodoma, during the signing of a tripartite cooperation agreement between the government, the University of Dodoma (UDOM) and the Legal Services Facility (LSF).
The new partnership aims to scale up legal aid delivery under the Mama Samia Legal Aid Campaign (MSALAC), which has played a critical role in bringing justice services closer to communities across the country.
Follow us on WhatsApp | LinkedIn for the latest headlines
He noted that structural barriers have for years hindered equal access to justice, leaving many citizens, particularly those with legitimate claims unable to pursue or secure their rights.
Also read: RC: We must fight against school absenteeism
"This agreement is a deliberate step by the government to expand access to justice, bring services closer to the people, dismantle geographical and social barriers, and ensure justice is delivered in a timely, affordable manner and in line with national standards," he said.
Mr Maswi stressed that legal aid is not a privilege but a fundamental right guaranteed to every Tanzanian.
"Many low-income earners, women, the elderly, persons with disabilities and those in remote areas miss justice not because they lack evidence, but because they cannot afford the cost of pursuing it," he added.
To address these systemic gaps, he said the ministry continues to design and implement longterm reforms through initiatives such as the National Legal Aid Campaign, which seeks to broaden outreach, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas. He emphasised that achieving justice for all requires collective effort.
"It cannot be achieved by government alone. It demands genuine and strategic collaboration among government institutions, universities, civil society organisations, the private sector and development partners," he said.
Mr Maswi noted that demand for legal aid services continues to grow amid evolving social, economic and legal dynamics, with more Tanzanians seeking to understand their rights and responsibilities.
"Legal literacy is a powerful tool for preventing disputes, reducing offences, strengthening social cohesion and nurturing a law-abiding society. When people understand the law, conflicts decline and public trust in justice institutions grows," he said.
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
He assured that the ministry will ensure effective implementation of the partnership, anchored on transparency, accountability and measurable results.
"Continuous monitoring, evaluation and improvement will be undertaken to ensure this collaboration delivers meaningful outcomes for citizens. This partnership represents a decisive step towards building a Tanzania where justice is accessible to all," he said.
