Mama Samia Legal Aid Campaign launched in Coast, Mbeya regions

By Joseph Mwendapole , The Guardian
Published at 12:26 PM Feb 25 2025
Legal and other experts with the Mama Samia Legal Aid Campaign pictured at the weekend attending to members of the public in Mbeya city. The team is scheduled to camp in Mbeya Region for ten days running.
Photo: Guardian Correspondent
Legal and other experts with the Mama Samia Legal Aid Campaign pictured at the weekend attending to members of the public in Mbeya city. The team is scheduled to camp in Mbeya Region for ten days running.

THE Mama Samia Legal Aid Campaign has been launched in the Coast and Mbeya regions, with scheduled launch in Rukwa today.

In the Coast Region, the campaign was launched by Regional Commissioner Abubakari Kunenge, while in Mbeya, it was officiated by Regional Commissioner Juma Homera.

Deputy minister of Constitution and Legal Affairs, Jumanne Sagini, thanked President Samia Suluhu Hassan for empowering the Ministry to continue the campaign, which had provided much-needed legal assistance, especially to the poor who otherwise lack access to representation in courts.

"Without President Samia’s efforts, we would not be where we are today. Let's congratulate her for making this possible," said Sagini.

The campaign, a collaboration between the ministries, government institutions,   and development partners, had already reached 17 regions, including Dodoma, Manyara, Singida, Songwe, Morogoro, Kigoma, Mtwara, Tabora, Gita, and Kilimanjaro.

In February, the campaign was launched in the Coast and Mbeya regions, with Rukwa set to follow today. By May, the campaign aims to reach all regions in Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.

The campaign has been a significant resource for educating citizens about their rights, with many coming forward for their rights  , particularly in land disputes.

Additionally, the ministry has worked to build the capacity of legal aid providers in various councils to bring services closer to the people. At the end of last year, the ministry entered into an agreement with the Tanganyika Law Society (TLS) to strengthen legal aid services across the country.

From February 25 to March 5, legal assistance will be provided in over 10 wards, and legal services will extend to 30 villages in each council of the Coast Region. After March 5, these services will be taken over by the relevant councils.

 Homera expressed that the campaign had already had a positive impact and will continue to benefit the region, particularly in areas of inheritance management and conflict resolution through local leaders.