LSF has once again demonstrated its commitment to advancing access to justice by actively participating in the launch of the Mama Samia Legal Aid Campaign (MSLAC) in Tanga Region, making it the 24th region reached by this impactful national initiative. The launch, held on April 8, 2025, was graced by Minister for Constitution and Legal Affairs, Hon. Dr. Damas Ndumbaro, who emphasized that gender-based violence often originates within families—not the government—and urged communities to stop shielding perpetrators and instead bring them to justice.
LSF Executive Director Ms. Lulu Ng’wanakilala joined other distinguished government and private sector leaders at the event, reinforcing LSF’s key role as a government partner in ensuring legal aid services reach vulnerable populations.
In his address, Dr. Ndumbaro called on religious leaders and public servants to handle gender-based violence complaints with the seriousness they deserve, warning against negligence in responding to such cases. He also provided legal assistance on-site to some of the attendees, reflecting the campaign’s hands-on approach.
From the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women, and Special Groups, Deputy Permanent Secretary Advocate Amon Mpanju revealed that Tanga had the highest number of gender-based violence cases in 2024, with 497 incidents out of 7,320 nationally.
Tanga Regional Commissioner, Ambassador Batilda Burian, urged citizens to stop bailing out suspects of child and women abuse, declaring zero tolerance for violence in the region. She confirmed that MSLAC would run across all 11 local councils in Tanga over a nine-day period.
Tanga Urban MP, Hon. Ummy Mwalimu, commended the campaign’s timing, citing a surge in land, inheritance, and marital disputes reported to her office.
Also present, CCM Regional Chairperson, Cde. Rajab Abdallah, stressed that the campaign reflects the vision of President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan to ensure every citizen accesses justice regardless of financial capacity.
LSF remains steadfast in its mission to bring justice closer to the people—especially women, children, and marginalized groups—through collaboration, empowerment, and impactful legal aid interventions.
