CJ Masaju’s first year delivers sweeping judicial reforms

DAR ES SALAAM: The administration of justice remains one of the most important pillars of any democratic society. A judiciary must not only be independent and impartial but also efficient, accessible and responsive to the needs of citizens. Since assuming office on June 15, 2025, Chief Justice of Tanzania, Hon. George Mcheche Masaju, has embarked on an ambitious programme of legal and regulatory reforms aimed at strengthening judicial operations and improving access to justice. As he marks his first anniversary in office on June 15, 2026, the Judiciary has undergone significant changes through new legislation, regulations and procedural rules targeting long-standing challenges in criminal, civil, probate and electoral matters. The reforms seek to reduce delays, improve transparency, embrace technology and ensure justice is delivered more effectively. Written by Deputy Registrar and Director of the Library Services Unit, Kifungu Mrisho Kariho, the assessment highlights a year characterized by determined efforts to modernize Tanzania’s justice system. Strengthening fairness in criminal proceedings Among the most notable reforms are the Witness Protection Rules, 2025 (GN 430/2025), which establish mechanisms to safeguard witnesses from intimidation and retaliation. Historically, fear of reprisals has discouraged many witnesses from testifying, weakening criminal prosecutions and undermining justice. The new rules empower courts to conceal witness identities, conduct private hearings, permit testimony through video links and restrict inappropriate cross-examination. The reforms aim to create a safer environment for witnesses while maintaining the accused person’s constitutional right to a fair trial. Courts are required to balance witness protection with the defence’s right to challenge evidence. Another major development is the Judicature and Application of Laws (Defense Entitlement to Prosecution Evidence) Rules, 2025 (GN 597/2025). These rules require prosecutors to disclose witness statements and intended exhibits before preliminary hearings. The objective is to eliminate “trial by ambush,” where defence teams are surprised by previously undisclosed evidence. By promoting early disclosure, the reforms improve trial preparedness, reduce adjournments and strengthen procedural fairness. Prosecutors must formally declare their evidence, and any later additions require proper justification. Modernizing civil and probate matters Significant reforms have also been introduced in probate administration, an area often associated with disputes, delays and allegations of mismanagement. The Primary Courts Probate Rules (Amendment) Regulations, 2025 (GN 428/2025) and Probate Rules (Amendment) Regulations, 2025 (GN 429/2025) require estate administrators to open dedicated bank accounts for estate funds. This measure removes the burden of holding inheritance funds from the courts and enhances accountability. Administrators must also submit inventories and detailed financial accounts. Expenditures from estate accounts require court authorization, while beneficiaries are granted greater rights to verify financial records and challenge questionable transactions. The reforms are designed to reduce fraud, prevent misuse of inheritance assets and speed up estate distribution. Technology has also become a key tool in improving efficiency. The Judicature and Application of Laws (Electronic Filing) (Amendment) Rules, 2025 (GN 609/2025) ensure that documents submitted electronically are considered filed on the date of upload, even if payment is completed later. This protects litigants from losing their rights due to delays in fee processing. However, payments must be made within seven days to maintain the validity of the filing. The amendment balances convenience with accountability while strengthening Tanzania’s growing e-filing system. Faster resolution of election disputes Election petitions often attract significant public attention because prolonged disputes can create uncertainty and undermine confidence in democratic processes. To address this challenge, the Judiciary introduced the Local Government and Parliamentary Election Petition Rules (GN 433/2025 and GN 431/2025). The rules clearly define who may file petitions, establish procedural requirements and set strict timelines for handling disputes. By limiting unnecessary delays and procedural battles, the reforms ensure that election-related cases are resolved quickly and on merit. This allows elected leaders to assume office without prolonged uncertainty while preserving the integrity of electoral outcomes. Enhancing institutional strength and consistency Another major reform is the Judicature and Application of Laws (Panel Constitution) Rules, 2025 (GN 541/2025). The rules authorize the Chief Justice to direct that complex constitutional, legal or public-interest matters be