Govt Commends LSF's Historic Role in Strengthening Legal Aid Services

DODOMA: THE Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Constitution and Legal Affairs, Mr Eliakim Maswi has commended the Legal Services Facility (LSF) for its strategic and historic role in strengthening legal aid services across the country. Speaking recently during the signing of a tripartite cooperation agreement that involved the government, the University of Dodoma (UDOM) and LSF, Mr Maswi, said that even before the enactment of the Legal Aid Act, LSF had distinguished itself as a key government partner in building the capacity of legal aid providers nationwide. He said LSF’s initiatives have enabled the government to establish a robust national legal aid system that is recognised nationally and aligned with international standards of justice, good governance and human rights. “This is clear evidence that genuine partnerships between the government and stakeholders can bring about lasting and meaningful change for citizens,” Mr Maswi said. He said the agreement is intended to significantly strengthen the legal aid system, particularly by enhancing the capacity and effectiveness of legal aid providers. ALSO READ: Zanzibar treasury, NIT join forces to protect govt vehicles According to Mr Maswi, the partnership will focus on targeted investment in continuous training, working tools, office infrastructure, transport and the use of information and communication technology (ICT) to ensure legal aid services are delivered efficiently, timely and in line with nationally approved standards. “The implementation of this agreement will be guided by the principles of transparency, accountability and value for money,” he said. LSF Executive Director, Ms Lulu Ngwanakilala said the organisation has been at the forefront of promoting access to justice in Tanzania for more than 14 years. During that period, she said, LSF has worked closely with nearly 4,000 legal aid providers and 184 legal aid organisations operating across the country. “Through institutional strengthening grants, capacity building and technical support, our objective has been not only to strengthen these institutions but also to empower legal aid providers to serve citizens effectively and in compliance with legal standards,” she said. Ms Ngwanakilala noted that access to justice is a constitutional right and a cornerstone of good governance, adding that without strong and sustainable legal aid systems, this right remains out of reach for many citizens. She said ensuring the sustainability of legal aid services is LSF’s top priority this year, emphasising the importance of financial, institutional and policy sustainability for long-term impact. She added that LSF has been a close partner of the ministry, particularly in the implementation of the Mama Samia Legal Aid Campaign. “For the past three years, LSF has served as Vice-Chairperson of the campaign, and we have witnessed significant progress in reaching more citizens, increasing legal awareness and resolving disputes at the community level,” she said. Ms Ngwanakilala said that through the Memorandum of Understanding, LSF has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the ministry’s efforts in public legal education, research, national policy dialogue and resource mobilisation to ensure the sustainability of legal aid services. She said the partnership lays a strong foundation for firmly integrating legal aid into national and government systems to ensure services reach all citizens without discrimination.