THE government has moved to confront widespread legal illiteracy and rising incidents of fraud in the country with the launch of permanent regional and district legal advisory committees, marking a shift towards preventive justice and early dispute resolution.

The initiative, led by Attorney General Hamza Johari, was launched in Dar es Salaam on Monday alongside a week-long free legal clinic offering direct assistance to members of the public.

Officials say the programme is designed not merely to respond to disputes, but to prevent them from escalating into costly lawsuits. It is aimed at promoting peace, strengthening the rule of law, and ensuring timely, affordable access to justice, particularly for citizens in remote areas.

During the opening event, Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Albert Chalamila acknowledged that the city’s fast-paced commercial life and population growth have created fertile ground for misunderstandings, fraudulent dealings and avoidable legal conflicts.

He cautioned that some individuals deliberately misrepresent themselves in legal disputes, urging government lawyers to combine legal expertise with psychological insight when handling complaints.

“When addressing these matters, you will encounter all types of individuals. Some may disguise fraudulent intent behind appearances. You must remain alert and professional,” he said.

Deputy Attorney General Samwel Maneno underscored that the committees form part of a broader national strategy to bring legal services closer to citizens and strengthen public understanding of the law.

He revealed that more than 5,800 citizens have already benefited from similar clinics in other regions, with land disputes and family matters topping the list of grievances.

However, he stressed that a significant proportion of disputes stem from lack of awareness rather than deliberate wrongdoing.

“Access to justice begins with knowledge. When citizens understand their rights and obligations, many conflicts can be avoided altogether,” he said.

The committees are mandated to provide legal guidance, educate the public, and collaborate with regional and district authorities to resolve disputes before they reach the courts.

Officials also view the initiative as a mechanism to reduce the growing number of cases filed against government institutions. By providing early advisory services, the state hopes to curb unnecessary lawsuits and promote amicable settlement of grievances.

During the clinic’s opening session, Attorney General Johari personally received complaints from members of the public, including a woman seeking assistance in an inheritance dispute.

He assured her that her matter would be handled expeditiously.

Ukonga Member of Parliament Bakari Shingo described the clinic as a timely intervention for residents unable to afford private legal representation, particularly in cases involving land, family conflicts and business disputes.

Unlike previous outreach initiatives, the newly established Legal Advisory Committees will operate on a standing basis at both regional and district levels. Members will serve until transferred or retired, ensuring continuity and sustained community engagement.

Legal observers suggest the move reflects growing recognition that urban governance challenges require more than courtroom solutions.

By institutionalising community-based legal advisory services, the Government appears intent on embedding rule-of-law principles at the grassroots level.