National
Tanganyika Law Society president Charles Rwechungura speaks in Dar es
Salaam yesterday during the unveiling of findings of research into the
access and right to information in Mainland Tanzania. Right is TLS
Programme Officer Stephen Msechu. PHOTO | RAFAEL LUBAVA
By Alex Bitekeye The Citizen Reporter
In Summary
Others are the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2010;
Mining Act, 2010; Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act, 1980, and
the Police Force and Auxiliary Act, Cap. 322, R.E 2002.
Dar es Salaam. Seven laws
should be amended to ensure more freedom of expression in the country,
the Tanganyika Law Society (TLS) said yesterday.
TLS listed the laws at the launch of a research
report titled Legislative Hindrances to Transparency and Open Governance
in Tanzania, which contains findings on access and right to information
in Mainland Tanzania.
TLS president Charles Rwechungura said Tanzanians
were familiar with only two media-unfriendly laws, but there were more
that hindered access to information in the country.
“We decided to research on how other laws hinder
freedom of expression, apart from the known Newspaper Act, 1976, and the
National Security Act, 1970,” he said.
He named the laws as the Tanzania Communication
Regulatory Authority Act, 2003; Local Government Finances Act, 2002;
Records and Archives Management Act, 2002, and the Electronic and Postal
Communications Act, 2010.
Others are the Persons with Disabilities Act,
2010; Mining Act, 2010; Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act,
1980, and the Police Force and Auxiliary Act, Cap. 322, R.E 2002.
Mr Rwechungura said the laws should either be
repealed or amended as part of efforts to remove all legal and
regulatory barriers that hinder transparency and dissemination of
information.
He also urged state agencies and institutions to
promote transparency and make it easier for the media and civil society
to access information.
Other suggestions include provision of information
free of charge, organising forums or public meetings with the public
and officials from grassroots and protecting informants by enacting the
necessary legislation.
“Measures taken by the government are very good but they need to be improved,” he said.
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