Tanzania embarks on reviewing the law governing its civil society organisations

DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA has begun to review the law governing civil society organisations to improve registration services, address challenges facing the sector and create a more enabling environment for their operations, Minister for Home Affairs Patrobas Katambi has said.

Speaking during the commemoration of 70 years since the registration of civil society organisations in Tanzania, Mr Katambi said the government would also improve the structure and services of the Registrar of Societies’ Office, while ensuring that proposed legal reforms reflect the views and needs of the organisations concerned.

He said the reforms would include amendments to the Societies Act, Chapter 337, with public participation and input from civil society leaders to ensure that the changes address existing challenges and simplify access to government services.

Mr Katambi said the government recognised the important role played by civil society organisations, including religious institutions, in promoting social welfare, protecting rights, supporting economic development and maintaining peace and national unity.

He urged leaders of the organisations to operate within the law and use their platforms to promote dialogue, advise the government constructively and strengthen social cohesion rather than create divisions within communities.

“Freedom to conduct our activities must go hand in hand with fulfilling our responsibilities towards building a peaceful, stable and united Tanzania,” he said.

The minister further called on civil society leaders to promote patriotism, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence among their members, warning that internal leadership and administrative disputes often divert organisations from their core responsibilities of serving communities.

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He said religious affairs were also linked to national security, making cooperation between the government and civil society organisations essential in addressing challenges through dialogue, tolerance and collective action.

Mr Katambi added that the government was ready to work with registered organisations and those seeking registration to resolve challenges and strengthen cooperation. He also highlighted the importance of information and communication technology in improving efficiency and the delivery of services by the Registrar of Societies’ Office.

He said the government expected civil society organisations to contribute more actively to the implementation of Tanzania’s Development Vision 2050, particularly through public education, protection of social and economic rights, promotion of accountability and support for inclusive economic growth.

According to the minister, a strong civil society sector could also contribute to employment creation, particularly for young people, while strengthening public participation in national development.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to improving the operating environment for civil society organisations, saying the planned reforms should respond to the changing needs of organisations and the communities they serve.

The commemoration brought together civil society organisations from different sectors, including economic, political, cultural, labour and religious institutions, to recognise their contribution to Tanzania’s development over the past seven decades.

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