Tanzanian National Assembly

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National Assembly

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Structure: Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) - 365 Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA) - 20 Chama cha Wazalendo (ACT) - 4 Chama Cha Wananchi (CUF) -3 Attorney General - 1

 

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Legislation​

Legislation Passed	Legislation In Debate	Legislation Proposed
Tanzania Media Independence and Journalist Protection Act 2006
The National Anti-Corruption and Transparency Act (NATA)
Status and Protection of Refugees Act

 

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Tanzania Media Independence and Journalist Protection Act​

An Act to guarantee media freedom, safeguard the rights and safety of journalists, and ensure the independence of media institutions from political and governmental interference.

PART I: PRELIMINARY
1. Short Title and Commencement
This Act may be cited as the Media Independence and Journalist Protection Act, 2025, and shall come into force on such date as the Minister may, by notice in the Gazette, appoint.

2. Interpretation
In this Act—

"Media organisation" means any entity engaged in journalism, including broadcasters, newspapers, online news platforms, and press agencies.

"Journalist" means any individual who collects, writes, edits, or distributes news or commentary on public affairs.

"Political actor" includes any person holding political office, member of a political party, or candidate for public office.

"Governmental influence" includes direct or indirect control, financial influence, or editorial interference.

PART II: RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS
3. Freedom of the Press and Expression
(1) Every person shall have the right to freedom of expression and freedom of the press, as guaranteed under Article 18 of the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania.
(2) This right includes freedom to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.

4. Editorial Independence
(1) Media organisations shall operate free from interference by governmental bodies or political actors.
(2) No person in government or any political organisation shall direct, coerce, or otherwise influence the editorial content of any media outlet.
(3) Any such interference shall constitute a criminal offence punishable under this Act.

PART III: INSTITUTIONAL SAFEGUARDS
5. Independent Media Regulatory Authority
(1) There shall be established an independent Media Standards and Independence Authority (MSIA).
(2) The MSIA shall—

(a) Monitor and report on violations of media freedom;​

(b) Enforce ethical standards without curtailing freedom of the press;​

(c) Be composed of individuals independent from government and political parties.​

(3) Appointments to the MSIA shall require approval by a two-thirds majority of the National Assembly to ensure non-partisanship.​

6. Public Broadcasting
(1) All state-funded media shall operate under a Public Charter guaranteeing independence from government.
(2) State broadcasters shall be overseen by an independent board with members drawn from civil society, academia, and the journalistic profession.
(3) The board shall be legally protected from ministerial direction or budgetary manipulation for editorial purposes.

PART IV: PROTECTION OF JOURNALISTS
7. Safety and Protection of Journalists
(1) The State shall have a duty to protect journalists from harassment, violence, threats, and arbitrary arrest.
(2) Any act of violence, intimidation, or undue surveillance of journalists shall be a criminal offence.
(3) The Tanzania Police Force shall establish a dedicated Journalist Protection Unit.

8. Source Confidentiality and Whistleblower Protection
(1) Journalists shall have the right to protect the confidentiality of their sources.
(2) No court or authority may compel disclosure of a journalistic source unless it is strictly necessary, proportionate, and ordered by a High Court in the interests of justice.
(3) Whistleblowers disclosing information in the public interest to journalists shall be protected under the Whistleblower Protection Act.

PART V: TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY
9. Political Non-Ownership of Media
(1) No political party, elected official, or candidate for public office shall own, finance, or hold a controlling interest in a media organisation.
(2) Existing interests shall be divested within 12 months of this Act coming into force.

10. Transparency of Media Ownership
(1) All media organisations shall publicly disclose their beneficial ownership, funding sources, and any political affiliations.
(2) The MSIA shall maintain a publicly accessible register of media ownership.

PART VI: ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES
11. Offences and Penalties
(1) Any person found guilty of breaching editorial independence or attempting to exert improper influence shall be liable—
(a) On summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding TZS 50 million or imprisonment not exceeding 2 years;
(b) On conviction on indictment, to a fine not exceeding TZS 200 million or imprisonment not exceeding 5 years.
(2) Repeat offences may lead to disqualification from public office for a period of up to 10 years.

12. Civil Remedies
Journalists and media organisations may apply to the High Court for declaratory relief, injunctions, or damages in respect of violations of their rights under this Act.

PART VII: MISCELLANEOUS
13. International Obligations
In interpreting and applying this Act, courts and public bodies shall have regard to international legal instruments ratified by Tanzania.

14. Review and Reporting
The MSIA shall publish an annual report on the state of media freedom, journalist safety, and political interference in Tanzania, to be submitted to Parliament and made publicly available.

 

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The National Anti-Corruption and Transparency Act (NATA)​

To provide for the prevention, investigation and prosecution of corruption; establish independent oversight bodies; ensure integrity in public administration; and promote transparency in governance and public procurement.

Part I – Preliminary
1. Short Title and Commencement
This Act may be cited as the National Anti-Corruption and Transparency Act and shall come into force on such date as the Minister may, by notice in the Gazette, appoint.

2. Interpretation
In this Act—

“Commission” means the Independent National Anti-Corruption Commission (INACC);

“corruption” includes bribery, embezzlement, nepotism, undue influence, misuse of public office, and any conduct contrary to public duty;

“public officer” includes any individual employed by, elected to, or contracted by a public authority.

Part II – Establishment of Independent National Anti-Corruption Commission (INACC)
3. Establishment and Independence
(1) There is hereby established the INACC.
(2) The Commission shall be independent and free from any political, ministerial or other external control in the performance of its functions.

4. Functions of the Commission
The Commission shall—
(a) receive and investigate complaints;
(b) conduct audits of government departments and parastatals;
(c) prosecute corruption offences;
(d) promote public education on corruption prevention.

5. Appointment of Commissioners
(1) The Chairperson and members shall be appointed by the President on the recommendation of a vetting panel consisting of:

Chief Justice (Chair),​

Speaker of the National Assembly,​

Leader of the Opposition,​

Chair of the Law Society.​

(2) Tenure shall be five years, renewable once.

Part III – Offences and Penalties
6. Corruption Offences
(1) Any person who—

(a) offers or receives a bribe;​

(b) misuses public funds or office;​

(c) interferes with a tender process;​

commits an offence and is liable to a fine not exceeding TZS 500 million or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 20 years, or both.

7. Asset Declaration and Lifestyle Audits
(1) All public officers above Grade C shall file annual asset declarations.
(2) The Commission may initiate lifestyle audits where unexplained wealth is suspected.

Part IV – Civil Service Integrity Measures
8. Mandatory Ethics Training and Rotation
(1) Public servants shall complete annual anti-corruption training.
(2) No individual may remain in a sensitive post (procurement, tax, customs) for more than 5 consecutive years.

Part V – Procurement and Corporate Compliance
9. Public Procurement Reform
(1) All government procurement above TZS 100 million shall be conducted via the National e-Procurement Portal.
(2) Tenders must be published in full, including award justifications and participating bids.

10. Corporate Anti-Corruption Certification
(1) All companies seeking to contract with the government must hold an anti-corruption compliance certificate issued annually by the Business Integrity Board.

Part VI – Protection of Whistleblowers
11. Whistleblower Protections
(1) No person shall retaliate against an individual who in good faith reports corruption.
(2) Whistleblowers shall be entitled to anonymity, legal protection, and, where appropriate, financial compensation.

Part VII – Miscellaneous
12. Annual Report and Public Engagement
The Commission shall submit an annual report to Parliament and host a national public forum each December outlining achievements, challenges, and future goals.

13. Transitional Provisions
Existing bodies such as the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) shall be integrated into the Commission within 12 months of this Act coming into force.

 

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Status and Protection of Refugees Act​

Tanzania acknowledges the global displacement of millions of individuals due to armed conflict, persecution, and other humanitarian crises. Recognising the importance of safeguarding the rights and protections of individuals forced to flee their countries and mindful of Tanzania's responsibilities as a state hosting refugees and bordering conflict-affected regions.


Chapter I – General Provisions
Article 1 – Definition of a Refugee
For the purposes of this Act, a refugee is defined as any person who:
a) Due to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion, is outside their country of origin and is unable or unwilling to return to it.
b) Who, not having a nationality and being outside the country of their former habitual residence, is unable or unwilling to return to it due to such fear.

This Act does not apply to persons who:
Have committed crimes against peace, war crimes, or crimes against humanity;
Have committed serious non-political crimes outside Tanzania;
Have voluntarily returned to their country of nationality or former habitual residence.

Article 2 – Right to Seek and Enjoy Asylum
All persons in Tanzania shall have the right to seek and enjoy asylum from persecution in accordance with this Act. Tanzania shall not impose penalties on refugees for illegal entry or presence, provided they present themselves without delay and demonstrate good cause.

Article 3 – Non-Discrimination
The provisions of this Act shall apply to refugees without discrimination based on race, religion, gender, sexuality, nationality, or country of origin.

Chapter II – Rights and Legal Status
Article 4 – Right to Life and Security
No refugee in Tanzania shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention, or punishment. Refugees shall enjoy the right to life and security of person in accordance with Tanzanian law and international humanitarian norms.

Article 5 – Freedom from Torture or Inhuman Treatment
No refugee in Tanzania shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.

Article 6 – Equality Before the Law
Refugees in Tanzania shall be recognized as persons before the law and shall enjoy equal protection under Tanzanian law.

Chapter III – Civil, Social and Economic Rights
Article 7 – Employment
Tanzania shall provide refugees lawfully staying in its territory with the most favourable treatment possible for access to wage-earning or self-employment opportunities.

Article 8 – Housing
Refugees in Tanzania shall receive treatment as favourable as possible with regard to housing.

Article 9 – Education
Refugees in Tanzania shall be accorded the same treatment as nationals with respect to elementary education and reasonable access to higher education.

Chapter IV – Administrative and Territorial Protection
Article 10 – Freedom of Movement
Refugees lawfully within Tanzania shall enjoy freedom of movement and the right to choose their place of residence.

Article 11 – Travel Documents
Refugees in Tanzania shall be issued travel documents to facilitate lawful international movement, unless compelling national security concerns prevent it.

Article 12 – Non-Refoulement
No refugee in Tanzania shall be expelled or returned (“refouled”) to any territory where their life or freedom would be threatened on account of their race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion.

Article 13 – Naturalisation and Long-term Integration
Tanzania shall facilitate the naturalisation and long-term integration of refugees, including through residence rights and access to citizenship where appropriate.

Chapter V – Implementation and Oversight
Article 14 – Supervision and Implementation
A designated authority within the Tanzanian government shall be responsible for supervising the implementation of this Act and supporting the state in meeting its obligations, including coordination of international assistance and durable solutions for refugees.