Mkumbo: No meaningful development without justice

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania has reiterated its commitment to advancing justice as a cornerstone of national development, stressing that there can be no genuine progress without justice—and no justice without equitable access to legal services for all citizens.

This assertion was made by the minister for Planning and Investment, Prof Kitila Mkumbo, yesterday, during the Strategic Meeting on Strengthening Rule of Law and Access to Justice held in Dodoma. 

The meeting brought together stakeholders from the government, civil society organisations (CSOs), legal societies, and development partners from both Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, to enhance collaboration in promoting good governance and inclusive justice.

“This gathering reaffirms the Government’s unwavering commitment to building a Tanzania rooted in justice, equality, and inclusive development,” said Prof Mkumbo, noting that such forums are strategic platforms that respond to the real needs of society and reflect a vision of multi-sectoral unity.

He said under the Third National Five-Year Development Plan (2021/22–2025/26), the Government aims to expand the number of districts offering legal aid services from 52 to 138 by the end of this year. Prof Mkumbo further outlined plans to enhance court infrastructure, invest in digital legal systems and broaden public legal awareness campaigns to ensure services are affordable, timely, and delivered in languages understood by the people.

The minister acknowledged the critical role played by institutions such as the Tanganyika Law Society (TLS), Zanzibar Law Society (ZLS), East Africa Law Society, Pan African Lawyers Union, and the Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC) in defending the rule of law and human rights.

On the other hand, representative of CSOs, the national coordinator of THRDC, Advocate Onesmo Olengurumwa, echoed the minister’s sentiments, calling for strengthened cooperation between the Government and CSOs to ensure the well-being of citizens and the advancement of justice across the country.

He said that mutual respect and transparent collaboration between the Government and civil society actors are essential pillars in promoting accountability, equality, and human rights.

“For a long time, civil society organisations have been at the forefront of supporting the implementation of policies, plans, and service delivery to citizens. They hold a unique position in national development,” he said.

He further stressed the importance of building trust, fostering mutual respect, and working together towards shared goals.

“The government and civil society are key players in the development field, and neither can achieve meaningful progress alone,” he added.

The strategic meeting, which brought together participants from both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, was part of ongoing national efforts to strengthen justice systems, promote good governance, and establish institutional partnerships for inclusive development.

“It forms part of the broader implementation of the Third National Five-Year Development Plan, which emphasises ensuring that all citizens can access legal services equitably, promptly, affordably and in languages they understand,” he said.

On the other hand, representative of CSOs, the National Coordinator of THRDC, Advocate Onesmo Olengurumwa, echoed the Minister’s sentiments, calling for strengthened cooperation between the Government and CSOs to ensure the wellbeing of citizens and the advancement of justice across the country.

He said that the mutual respect and transparent collaboration between the Government and civil society actors are essential pillars in promoting accountability, equality, and human rights.

“For a long time, civil society organisations have been at the forefront of supporting the implementation of policies, plans, and service delivery to citizens. They hold a unique position in national development,” he said.

He further stressed the importance of building trust, fostering mutual respect, and working together towards shared goals.

“The Government and civil society are key players on the development field, and neither can achieve meaningful progress alone,” he added.

The strategic meeting, which brought together participants from both Mainland and Zanzibar, was part of ongoing national efforts to strengthen justice systems, promote good governance, and establish institutional partnerships for inclusive development.

“It forms part of the broader implementation of the Third National Five-Year Development Plan, which places emphasis on ensuring that all citizens can access legal services equitably, promptly, affordably, and in languages they understand,” he said.