Tanzania has marked a historic milestone in its judicial system with the official inauguration of the country’s first permanent Judiciary Headquarters in Dodoma.
Officiated by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the state-of-the-art facility is a significant step in advancing access to justice, strengthening institutional presence in the capital, and reinforcing the government’s commitment to judicial reforms.
Constructed at a cost of TZS 129.7 billion, the new building stands as a symbol of the government’s resolve to empower the Judiciary and enhance the quality of legal services delivered to the public.
President Samia emphasized that the facility must be preserved and used effectively to reflect the magnitude of the investment made.
“The Judiciary, particularly Primary Courts, should not be constrained by bureaucratic procedures when delivering justice,” she said.
“Our goal is to simplify the path to justice, ensuring that citizens view the courts as the primary destination for resolving disputes and protecting rights.”
The launch event was held at Tambukareli in Dodoma, where the new headquarters is located. In her speech, President Samia highlighted that the presence of the Judiciary in Dodoma completes the structural relocation of all three branches of government Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary to the country’s official capital. This marks a first in Tanzania’s 104-year judicial history.
Alongside the headquarters, the President also inaugurated two major projects: a six-storey building for the Judicial Service Commission and 48 modern residential houses for judges in Dodoma.
She noted that these developments reflect the government’s broader efforts to ensure that judicial officers have adequate infrastructure to carry out their duties professionally and with dignity.
President Samia reiterated her administration’s support for further modernization of the justice system, especially through the integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
She urged the Judiciary to keep pace with global trends by adopting digital solutions that streamline court operations and improve service delivery.
“To ensure timely and inclusive justice, the Judiciary must continue embracing technology,” she said. “This will help expedite court processes, improve record keeping, and reduce delays in case handling.”
She also called for the strengthening of Special Courts that deal with land, family, and commercial matters, stressing that these institutions play a vital role in the lives of ordinary citizens and the private sector.
Enhancing their capacity, she said, is key to creating a more responsive and efficient justice system.
Recognizing leadership in the Judiciary, President Samia applauded Chief Justice Prof. Ibrahim Juma for his exemplary performance and dedication.
She credited his patriotism and administrative skills for driving significant reforms that have elevated the Judiciary’s role and reputation.
“I commend Chief Justice Prof. Ibrahim Juma for his steadfast commitment to public service,” she stated.
“Through his leadership, we have witnessed substantial improvements in judicial operations and service delivery.”
The inauguration of the Judiciary Headquarters not only reflects infrastructural progress but also symbolizes a new chapter for Tanzania’s legal system one that emphasizes professionalism, inclusivity, and public trust.
President Samia further underscored the need to empower the Judiciary to deal effectively with land, family, and business-related cases.
She emphasized that courts handling such sensitive matters must be supported to offer prompt, fair, and accessible services to all Tanzanians.
With the relocation of the Judiciary to Dodoma, all three arms of the government now operate from the national capital, fulfilling a long-standing goal of the country’s development agenda.
“For the first time in our history, all three pillars of the state now have their official homes in Dodoma,” President Samia noted. “This gives our capital the dignity and structure it deserves.”
The move is expected to boost investor confidence, reinforce good governance, and ensure that the justice system plays its rightful role in national development.
With continued investments and reform, Tanzania’s Judiciary is poised to become a model for efficiency, integrity, and accessibility.