TLS wants seven more gag laws to go

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Mr Rwechungura said the laws should either be repealed or amended as part of efforts to remove all legal and regulatory barriers that hinder transparency and dissemination of information.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.