During a presentation of the Tsh.383.6 billion budget proposal for the Ministry of Constitution and Legal Affairs for the 2023/24 Financial Year, Dr Damas Ndumbaro, The Minister for Constitution and Legal Affairs Dr Damas Ndumbaro, disclosed that the government had saved Tsh.7.6 trillion between July last year and March this year. This amount is what the government could have paid if it had lost some high-profile civil cases and arbitration proceedings. Through the office of the Solicitor General, the ministry conducted a total of 157 arbitration proceedings, 31 of which were international. Of the 157 arbitration cases, 16 were concluded, with five of them being international. As a result, the government saved Tsh.7.26 trillion that could have been paid if it had failed to win those types of cases.
Additionally, the government conducted a total of 6,320 civil cases, six of which were international. The government concluded a total of 575 cases, five of which were international. This resulted in saving Tsh.305.4 billion that could have been lost for losing those cases. Dr Ndumbaro commended the Government Negotiation Team (GNT), which is formed by the Attorney General, for concluding cases or conflicts through discussion, arbitration, and reconciliation. This approach has been attractive to investors in the country as it demonstrates that conflicts with the government are resolved at a high speed and boosts investors’ trust and confidence, taking economic diplomacy to new heights.
Dr Ndumbaro also explained that solving problems amicably saved money that could have been used to facilitate case proceedings, which cover transport, allowances to state advocates and witnesses, as well as court fees. The minister further requested the Parliament to endorse Tsh.383.6 billion for current expenditures and development projects for the 2023/24 Financial Year, which would help the ministry implement its priorities, such as coordinating the new constitution process, amending the National Election Act, implementing the Constitution Education Strategy and Mama Samia (President Samia Suluhu Hassan) Legal Aid Campaign, and strengthening judiciary systems to spur fair decisions.