THOUSANDS of Katavi residents will have an opportunity to access free legal services during a 10-day camp of the legal advisory team sponsored by President Samia Suluhu Hassan taking off at Mpanda municipality in the region over the weekend.

Mwamvua Mrindoko, the regional commissioner, encouraged local residents to take advantage of the camp to resolve legal issues, at the launch at Kashaulili Primary School grounds.

Services provided during the camp would be free of charge, she said, urging officials to ensure that no fees were imposed on participants.

Parents and guardians of children suffering abuse need to cooperate with legal professionals to ensure that justice obtained, she said, highlighting that the campaign is aimed at strengthening assistance for victims of sexual violence, children and other vulnerable groups.

“My hope is that, following this camp, we will see a significant reduction in legal disputes such as land conflicts, marriage issues, inheritance disputes, gender-based violence and family neglect,” she declared.

Dr Franklin Rwezimula, the Constitutional and Legal Affairs deputy permanent secretary, explained that the campaign’s primary objective is to promote and protect access to justice for all through the provision of legal aid services.

The campaign is also meant to offer educational resources on legal rights related to land, marriage, inheritance, litigation, criminal procedure and human rights in general, he stated.

The government intends to reduce legal conflicts and enhance public understanding of legal issues through training and direct services, he specified.

He similarly appealed to the regional secretariat to fully support the legal aid providers to ensure that they are able to assist as many people as possible within the allocated time.

Boniphace Butondo (Kishapu), a member of the parliamentary standing committee on Administrative, Constitutional and Legal Affairs, encouraged the public to attend the camp in large numbers.

The presidential legal aid services campaign is expected to substantially address conflicts related to oppressive laws concerning inheritance, land and farms, he said.

He hailed the progress made since the campaign was rolled out, reminding citizens of the importance of understanding their basic rights to better protect themselves and contribute to national development.

 “Legal education is a powerful tool for empowering citizens to overcome the challenges they face in their everyday lives,” the MP underlined.

Residents expressed gratitude for the government's efforts to bring legal aid services closer to communities since its launch in April 2023.

The campaign is expected to yield positive results by reducing violence, resolving social conflicts and strengthening the rule of law across the country, they stated.