Legal, correctional officers trained on prisoners’ rights

Morogoro. The government has intensified efforts to promote the rights of prisoners through specialised training for legal and correctional officers from the Tanzania Mainland Prisons Service.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Constitution and Legal Affairs, aims to enhance officers’ understanding of human rights, prison management, and the broader criminal justice system.

Speaking on June 10, 2025, in Morogoro, during the launch of the second training phase, the ministry’s Deputy Permanent Secretary, Dr Franklin Rwezimula, said 290 officers have now been trained.

“The training equips legal and correctional officers with a deeper understanding of various laws, particularly those relating to human rights, to ensure that services are delivered efficiently and with dignity,” said Dr Rwezimula.

The first phase, held in May, involved 120 officers, noting that the ongoing second phase includes 170 officers, bringing the total to 290.

Dr Rwezimula said the training also covers key challenges facing inmates—such as psychological stress, safety, and rehabilitation—to reintegrate reformed individuals back into society.

Director of Constitution and Human Rights Monitoring at the ministry, Ms Jane Lyimo, stressed the pivotal role correctional officers play in transforming lives.

“You are not only custodians but also facilitators of rehabilitation. Your work helps those who have erred to rebuild their lives and return to society as responsible citizens. Uphold professionalism, fairness, and respect for human dignity,” she urged.

Legal Affairs and Prison Operations Commissioner Nicodemus Tenga, said the training was introduced following a request by the Commissioner General of Prisons to the ministry.

He said the goal was to strengthen the officers’ capacity to uphold justice and perform their duties more effectively.

He noted that Tanzania currently has 129 prison facilities, with 26 located in regional headquarters.

However, 50 districts remain without any prisons or remand centres, noting that the ministry has registered 264 legal officers to serve in existing facilities.