The National Service Act
This section gives the Act its short title: the National Service Act.
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About this statute
This section gives the Act its short title: the National Service Act. This section defines key terms and lets the Minister appoint an Assistant Registrar by Gazette order. A National Service must be established and maintained, and its functions include training young citizens, giving military training to members, and participating in national defence operations. The President determines how many members the National Service has, and its members are voluntary enlistees under section 5 or persons enlisted under section 11. The authority may enlist citizens aged roughly 16 to 35 into National Service, and servicemen must serve for set periods and make a declaration when joining.
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Provisions of The National Service Act
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- 1 Verify source ↗
Short title
This section gives the Act its short title: the National Service Act.
1. This Act may be cited as the National Service Act. Interpretation Acts Nos. 47 of 1964 s. 2 64 of 1966 s. 2 31 of 1974 s. 2 22 of 1975 s. 2 and 3 8 of 2010 s. 20 - 2 Verify source ↗
Interpretation
This section defines key terms and lets the Minister appoint an Assistant Registrar by Gazette order.
2.–(1) In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires- “appropriate authority” means the authority charged, in accordance with rules or orders made under this Act, with responsibility for the matter in question: Provided that, the reference appropriate authorities in section 6 and, in so far as it relates to persons seconded to the Service, in section 7, shall be construed as a reference to appropriate authority aforesaid acting with the concurrence of officer having authority in or over that part of the civil or military service of the United Republic from which a person is seconded as may be appointed by the President; “Council” means the National Security Council established Cap. 61 under the National Security Council Act; “Chief of National Service” means the Chief of National Service appointed under this Act; “enlistment notice” means the enlistment notice provided for in section 11; 707 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE NATIONAL SERVICE ACT [CAP. 193 R.E. 2023] “member” in relation to the Service includes both a Serviceman enlisted or engaged under sections 5 or 11; “Minister” means the Minister responsible for the National Service; “National Service Register” means the Register required to be kept by the Chief of National Service under section 8; “postponement certificate” means the certificate which may be granted under section 12; “Registrar” means the person appointed in section 8 to keep the National Service Register and includes an Assistant Registrar; “Serviceman” means a member of the Service enlisted or engaged under sections 5 or 11. (2) The Minister may, by order published in the Gazette, appoint any public officer or any officer of a university, college, school or other educational institution or establishment to be an Assistant Registrar in relation to category of persons as may be specified in the order. PART II ESTABLISHMENT AND MEMBERS OF SERVICE
Part
PART II
- 3 Verify source ↗
Establishment of Service
A National Service must be established and maintained, and its functions include training young citizens, giving military training to members, and participating in national defence operations.
3.–(1) There shall be established and maintained a Service to be known as the National Service. (2) The functions of the National Service shall be- (a) to train young citizens of the United Republic to serve the nation in the spheres of social and economic development and the defence of their country; (b) to impart military training to its members with a view to enable members to qualify for recruitment or engagement as soldiers for the infantry battalions of the Peoples Defence Forces of Tanzania; and (c) to participate in national defence operations. 708 Establishment of Service Act No. 22 of 1975 s. 4 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE NATIONAL SERVICE ACT [CAP. 193 R.E. 2023] Members of Service Acts Nos. 47 of 1964 s. 3 64 of 1966 s. 3 22 of 1975 s. 5 - 4 Verify source ↗
Members of Service
The President determines how many members the National Service has, and its members are voluntary enlistees under section 5 or persons enlisted under section 11.
4.–(1) The National Service shall consist of number of members as may be determined by the President. (2) The members of the National Service shall be- (a) persons who enlist voluntarily under section 5; (b) persons who are enlisted under section 11. Serviceman Acts Nos. 64 of 1966 s. 4 11 of 1971 Sch. 31 of 1974 s. 3 22 of 1975 s. 6 28 of 1978 s. 7 - 5 Verify source ↗
Serviceman
The authority may enlist citizens aged roughly 16 to 35 into National Service, and servicemen must serve for set periods and make a declaration when joining.
5.–(1) The appropriate authority may enlist into the National Service a male or female citizen who, at the time of their first enlisting, are between the apparent ages of sixteen and thirty five years (both inclusive). (2) A Serviceman shall be enlisted to serve in the National Service for a period of- (a) in the case of a Serviceman enlisted voluntarily under subsection (1), three years; (b) in the case of a Serviceman enlisted in consequence of an enlistment notice under section 11, one year, and on the expiry of that period, a Serviceman may, where he wishes and the appropriate authority agrees, be re-engaged for a further period of the same duration as the period of his original enlistment: Provided that, in calculating a period of enlistment provided for by this subsection, an account shall not be taken of any period during which the service of the Serviceman is suspended at his request and with the consent of the Chief of National Service. (3) Where in the opinion of the Chief of National Service, any Serviceman enlisted pursuant to an enlistment notice under section 11 has not, on completion of the period of one year provided for in subsection (2), attained a standard normally expected of a Serviceman in the National Service, the Chief of National Service may, by order under his hand, extend a period of one year by six months or shorter period as the Chief of National Service may in the order specify, and in any case in which the order is made, the provisions of subsection (2) shall take effect as if the reference in paragraph 709 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE NATIONAL SERVICE ACT [CAP. 193 R.E. 2023] (a) thereof to the period of one year were a reference to the period extended. (4) After the conclusion of his engagement with the National Service, a Serviceman shall form part of the National Service Reserve and be liable to serve the National Service or any branch of the Defence Forces when called upon to do so in a manner and for purposes as the Minister may, by regulations under section 34, prescribe. (5) A Serviceman shall, on first joining the National Service, make the declaration set out in the First Schedule. Liability to be called up for National Service Acts Nos. 64 of 1966 s. 5 46 of 1966 s. 2 31 of 1974 s. 5 - 6 Verify source ↗
Liability to be called up for National Service
Certain citizens aged 16 to under 35 who meet the education conditions may be entered in the National Service Register and called up for National Service; some people are exempt, and service-related contracts that conflict with this liability are void.
6.–(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, a person to whom this section applies shall be liable to have his name entered in the National Service Register and called upon to serve in the National Service in accordance with the provisions of this Act. (2) This section shall apply to a male or female citizen who has attained the apparent age of sixteen years but has not attained the apparent age of thirty-five years and- (a) who has completed an academic year in Form VI or has attained an alternative academic standard as the Minister may, by order in the Gazette, prescribe; or (b) who having completed an academic year in Form IV subsequently enrolled in any post-secondary school institution, whether within or outside Tanzania, for a course of studies (other than a correspondence course only) and has ceased to be a student of the institution either because of the completion of the course of studies or because he has abandoned the course after having been a student of the institution for a period of not less than one-half of the normal duration of the course: Provided that- (i) the provisions of this subsection shall not apply to any person who completed an academic year in Form VI or attained the prescribed academic standard or ceased to be a student of any institution referred to in paragraph (b), as the case may be, before 1st November, 1966; 710 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE NATIONAL SERVICE ACT [CAP. 193 R.E. 2023] (ii) the provisions of this subsection shall not apply to any person who having completed Form IV enrols in a post-secondary school institution for a course of studies in Form V or Form VI but does not complete an academic year in Form VI; (iii) where a person after completing an academic year in Form VI or attained the prescribed academic standard proposes to prosecute further studies at any educational institution (otherwise than by a correspondence course) this section shall apply in relation to him- (aa) immediately after the completion of further studies; (bb) where he fails to undertake the prosecution of further studies within six months from the date of the completion of an academic year in Form VI or attaining the prescribed academic standard, or longer period as the Chief of National Service may in any case allow by a writing under his hand, immediately upon the expiry of the period of six months or, as the case may be, such longer period allowed by the Chief of National Service; or (cc) where after commencing the prosecution of further studies, at any time before the completion of the course of studies, he abandons the same, immediately after he abandons the course. (3) A person to whom subsection (2) applies shall not enter into any contract of service for any term of which may conflict with his liability to be called up for National Service under this Act, and any term in any contract shall be void and unenforceable. (4) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (2), this section shall not apply to a person who- (a) is certified by a Government medical officer as being blind; 711 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE NATIONAL SERVICE ACT [CAP. 193 R.E. 2023] (b) is detained in custody as a criminal lunatic; (c) is a public officer or was a public officer at the commencement of this Act; (d) having become a public officer after the commencement of this Act, attends any in-service training course at any post-secondary school institution for a duration not exceeding nine months; (e) being a woman, was lawfully married prior to 7th November, 1969; or (f) is a person who is exempted or who belongs to a category of persons exempted from the provisions of this section by an order made under section 16. (5) For the purposes of subsections (2) and (4)- (a) “post-secondary school institution” means any university, college or other educational or vocational training establishment, offering a course of studies or training for any profession, vocation or occupation, whether or not any degree, diploma or other award is granted to students enrolling therein and completing any course of studies, and which normally requires the completion of at least Form VI or the attainment of equivalent academic standard as a qualification for entry or enrolment therein for a course of studies, but does not include any institution which offers only correspondence course and does not require its students to attend any lecture or seminar; (b) a person shall be deemed to have completed an academic year in Form VI where he has been a student at a school or other educational institution offering a course of studies in Form VI and remained enrolled as a member of the class for Form VI for the whole of one academic year, whether or not he sat for or passed any examination for Form VI. [s. 5A] 712 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE NATIONAL SERVICE ACT [CAP. 193 R.E. 2023] Restriction on employment of persons liable to serve in National Service Act No. 4 of 1982 s. 2 - 7 Verify source ↗
Restriction on employment of persons liable to serve in National Service
Employers must tell the Chief of National Service the names of workers liable for national service, and people must not employ or licence such persons unless they show prior service or exemption. Liable persons not yet called up may work only on temporary terms, and continued temporary work needs a permit from the Chief.
7.–(1) In this section employment on temporary terms means an employment which does not exceed a period of six months. (2) A person shall not employ or offer employment or issue a licence or permit for carrying out any private business to a person who is liable to serve in the National Service unless the person shows evidence that, he has already served or that he has been exempted from serving in the National Service. (3) A person who is liable to serve in the National Service but has not been called to serve may be employed but his employment shall be on temporary terms. (4) Where after a period of temporary employment, a person who is liable to serve in the National Service is not called to serve, he may, with a permit issued in that behalf by the Chief of National Service, continue being employed on temporary terms. (5) An employer shall notify the Chief of National Service, the name or names of persons who are in his employment and liable to serve in the National Service. (6) A person who contravenes this section commits an offence and on conviction, shall be liable to a fine not exceeding ten thousand shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding twelve months or to both. [s. 5B] Appointment of Registrar of National Service Act No. 64 of 1966 s. 5 - 8 Verify source ↗
Appointment of Registrar of National Service
The Chief of National Service must act as Registrar, keep a register of people liable to be called up for National Service, and do other prescribed duties connected to that register and enlistment.
8. The Chief of National Service shall be a Registrar and keep a Register of persons who are liable under this Act to be called up for National Service and perform other duties in connection with the said Register and the enlistment of members of the National Service as may be prescribed in this Act or in any rules made under this Act. [s. 5C] Rules relating to registration Act No. 64 of 1966 s. 5 - 9 Verify source ↗
Rules relating to registration
The Minister may make rules requiring certain school, public, and registered persons to give particulars to the Registrar for National Service registration.
9.–(1) The Minister may make rules in relation to the following matters- (a) requiring the principals of secondary schools or other educational or professional institutions to furnish to the 713 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE NATIONAL SERVICE ACT [CAP. 193 R.E. 2023] Registration Act No. 64 of 1966 s. 5 Registrar particulars about students attending schools or institutions who may be liable under this Act to be called up for National Service; (b) requiring public officers to furnish to the Registrar particulars of students outside the United Republic who may be liable under this Act to be called up for National Service; and (c) requiring persons whose names have been entered on the National Service Register to furnish to the Registrar the particulars as may be prescribed. (2) Rules made under subsection (1) may make different provisions in relation to different classes of person subject to registration and exclude provision for any class of persons subject to registration with respect to which the Minister is satisfied that, sufficient particulars can be ascertained by him otherwise than by virtue of those rules. [s. 5D] - 10 Verify source ↗
Registration
The Registrar must enter and update the National Service Register, and a registered person must promptly report any change of name or address before call-up.
10.–(1) It shall be the duty of the Registrar to ensure that, the names and particulars of persons liable under this Act to be called up for National Service received by him pursuant to rules made under section 9 are entered in the National Service Register. (2) The Registrar shall make any necessary alteration or correction in the National Service Register in relation to any entry therein and remove from the Register the name of a person who dies before being called up for National Service or who ceases to be liable to be called up for National Service. (3) Where at any time before being called up for National Service a person whose name is entered in the National Service Register changes his name or address he shall forthwith notify the change to the Registrar and where he fails to do so, commits an offence. [s. 5E] 714 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE NATIONAL SERVICE ACT [CAP. 193 R.E. 2023] Obligation of persons liable to report and service of enlistment notices Acts Nos. 64 of 1966 s. 5 31 of 1974 s. 6 - 11 Verify source ↗
Obligation of persons liable to report and service of enlistment notices
People liable for National Service must report in person to the Registrar within 30 days, and failure without reasonable excuse can lead to a fine or imprisonment.
11.–(1) A person who, upon the commencement of this Act is or at any later date becomes liable to be called upon to serve in the National Service in accordance with the provisions of this Act, shall within thirty days of the commencement of this Act present himself in person to the Registrar. (2) A person who, being liable under this Act to be called upon to serve in the National Service, fails without reasonable excuse to present himself in person to the Registrar within the period specified in subsection (1) commits an offence and on conviction, shall be liable to a fine not exceeding two thousand shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year or to both. (3) The Registrar may cause to be served on a person who is liable under this Act to be called up for National Service an enlistment notice stating that, he is called up for National Service and requiring him to present himself at a place and time, and to the authority, as may be specified; and subject to this section, the person upon whom the notice is served shall be deemed as from the day specified to have been duly enlisted in the National Service. (4) Where an enlistment notice has been served on a person, the Chief of National Service may, at any time while the person remains liable under this Act to be called up for National Service, cancel the notice or cause to be served on him a further enlistment notice varying the original notice by altering the place or time at which he is thereby required to present himself. (5) Where at the beginning of the day specified in an enlistment notice or the day on which the person to whom the notice relates is thereby required to present himself, any of the following conditions is fulfilled, that is to say- (a) a postponement certificate relating to him is in force; (b) that any application or appeal made by him under section 12 is pending, the enlistment notice served on him shall be of no effect. 715 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE NATIONAL SERVICE ACT [CAP. 193 R.E. 2023] (6) An enlistment notice served on any person shall cease to have effect where before the day on which he is thereby required to present himself he ceases to be liable under this Act to be called up for National Service. (7) There shall be paid to persons required to present themselves in accordance with enlistment notices served upon them, travelling and other allowances as the Minister may prescribe. (8) A person upon whom an enlistment notice has been served who, being liable to be called up for National Service on the day when he is thereby required to present himself, fails without reasonable excuse to present himself in accordance with the provisions of the notice commits an offence and on conviction, shall be liable to a fine not exceeding two thousand shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year or to both. (9) Rules made under section 34 may provide for the duties of the Registrar and Assistant Registrars in relation to enlistment notices and service of enlistment notices. [s. 5F] - 12 Verify source ↗
Postponement certificates
A person served with an enlistment notice may apply for a postponement certificate, or renew one, if exceptional hardship would result. The application is handled by a National Service (Hardship) Committee, and renewal must be sought at least 14 days before expiry.
12.–(1) Subject to this section, a person upon whom an enlistment notice has been served under section 11 may apply in the prescribed manner for a certificate of postponement of liability under this Act to be called up for National Service on the ground that, exceptional hardship would ensue if he were called up for service, and on that ground, apply in the prescribed manner for the renewal of any postponement certificate granted to him. (2) Where application for a postponement certificate or for the renewal of a postponement certificate is made, that application shall be considered by a National Service (Hardship) Committee constituted under subsection (3). (3) A National Service (Hardship) Committee shall be appointed for areas or regions as the Minister may determine and consist of a Chairman and two other members of whom shall be appointed by the Minister. 716 Postponement certificates Acts Nos. 64 of 1966 s. 5 31 of 1974 s. 7 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE NATIONAL SERVICE ACT [CAP. 193 R.E. 2023] (4) An application for the grant of a postponement certificate may be made at any time after an enlistment notice has been served on the applicant but before the day specified in the notice as the day on which he is thereby required to present himself. (5) An application for the renewal of a postponement certificate shall be made at least fourteen days before the expiration of the period for which that certificate was granted or last renewed. (6) A postponement certificate shall not be granted or renewed to postpone the liability of a person to be called up for National Service for a period or aggregate of periods exceeding six months unless the Minister has by a writing under his hand authorised the grant of the certificate. [s. 5G] Appeals from determination of National Service (Hardship) Committee Act No. 64 of 1966 s. 5 - 13 Verify source ↗
Appeals from determination of National Service (Hardship) Committee
An applicant who is dissatisfied with a National Service (Hardship) Committee decision may appeal to the Minister in the prescribed manner, and the Minister’s decision is final.
13. An applicant for a postponement certificate or the renewal of a postponement certificate who is aggrieved by the determination of a National Service (Hardship) Committee may, in the prescribed manner, appeal to the Minister whose decision shall be final. [s. 5H] Revocation of postponement certificates Act No. 64 of 1966 s. 5 - 14 Verify source ↗
Revocation of postponement certificates
The Registrar may ask the National Service (Hardship) Committee to revoke or shorten a postponement certificate, and the Committee may refuse, cancel, or shorten it.
14.–(1) Where at any time while a postponement certificate is in force, it appears to the Registrar that, by reason of any change in the circumstances of the person to whom the certificate was granted, the certificate ought to be revoked or the period for which it was granted or last renewed ought to be shortened, the Registrar may apply to a National Service (Hardship) Committee and the Committee may either refuse the application or cancel the certificate or vary it by shortening the said period. (2) Where an application is made under subsection (1), the person to whom the postponement certificate in question was granted shall be entitled to be heard on the application, and where he is aggrieved by the determination of the National 717 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE NATIONAL SERVICE ACT [CAP. 193 R.E. 2023] Service (Hardship) Committee, he may, in the prescribed manner, appeal to the Minister whose decision shall be final. [s. 5I] Provisions as to National Service (Hardship) Committee Act No. 64 of 1966 s. 5 - 15 Verify source ↗
Provisions as to National Service (Hardship) Committee
The Registrar or an authorised person is entitled to be heard on applications before the National Service (Hardship) Committee, and related appeal or application determinations cannot be questioned in court.
15.–(1) The Registrar or a person authorised by him shall be entitled to be heard on any application before a National Service (Hardship) Committee. (2) A determination of an appeal to the Minister or any application to a National Service (Hardship) Committee or the determination thereof shall not be questioned in any court of law. [s. 5J] Exemption from liability - 16 Verify source ↗
Exemption from liability
The Minister may exempt a person from liability to be called on for National Service by publishing a notice in the Gazette.
16. The Minister may, by notice published in the Gazette, exempt any person from liability under this Act to be called upon to serve in the National Service. Repealed - 17 Verify source ↗
Repealed
This section was repealed.
17. [Repealed by Act No. 22 of 1975 s. 8.] [s. 5K] [s. 6] Prolongation of engagement and secondment Act No. 22 of 1975 s. 9 - 18 Verify source ↗
Prolongation of engagement and secondment
A National Service member whose engagement expires during war, insurrection, hostilities, or a public emergency may be kept on and have the engagement extended, if the appropriate authorities direct it with the President’s approval.
18. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Act, a member of the National Service whose engagement expires during a state of war, insurrection, hostilities or public emergency may be retained in the National Service and his engagement prolonged for further period as the appropriate authorities, with the approval of the President, direct. [s. 7] Discharge Acts Nos. 31 of 1974 s. 8 22 of 1975 s. 10 - 19 Verify source ↗
Discharge
The appropriate authority may discharge a National Service member during the engagement term if the member’s services are no longer required or if continued engagement is against the public interest or the National Service’s interest.
19. The appropriate authority may at any time during the term of an engagement discharge a member of the National Service where, for any reason, his services are no longer required or where in the opinion of the appropriate authority, the continued engagement of the Serviceman is contrary to the public interest or the interest of the National Service. [s. 8] 718 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE NATIONAL SERVICE ACT [CAP. 193 R.E. 2023] PART III ORGANISATION AND GOVERNMENT OF THE SERVICE Units of Service Act No. 22 of 1975 s. 11
Part
PART III
- 20 Verify source ↗
Units of Service
The National Service must be divided into branches, units, and sub-units as the Minister directs.
20. The National Service shall be divided into numbers and descriptions of branches, units and sub-units, as the Minister shall direct. [s. 9] Chief of National Service Act No. 22 of 1975 s. 12 - 21 Verify source ↗
Chief of National Service
The President may appoint a member of the Tanzania People’s Defence Forces as Chief of National Service. The Chief of National Service has command and administration of the National Service, subject to the Act, rules, and directions from specified authorities.
21. The President may appoint a member of the Tanzania People’s Defence Forces to be the Chief of National Service, and, subject to this Act, any rules made hereunder and the directions of the President, the Minister and the Chief of Defence Forces, the Chief of National Service shall have the command, superintendence, direction and administration of the National Service. Repealed - 22 Verify source ↗
Repealed
Section 22 is repealed.
22. [Repealed by Act No. 22 of 1975 s. 13.] [s. 10] [s. 11] Duties of Servicemen Acts Nos. 2 of 1965 Sch. 22 of 1975 s. 14 PART IV DUTIES AND EMPLOYMENT OF THE SERVICE
Part
PART IV
- 23 Verify source ↗
Duties of Servicemen
A National Service member must carry out duties and training, and obey lawful orders from senior or commanding officers.
23.–(1) A member of the National Service shall- (a) perform duties and carry out training as he may be directed by the officers senior to or placed in command over him; (b) obey and execute promptly orders lawfully issued to him by the officers senior to or placed in command over him. (2) A Serviceman shall, for purposes of discipline, training and operations and compensation for disability or death in the course of training or operation, be deemed to be a member of the Regular Force of the Tanzania Peoples Defence Forces: 719 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE NATIONAL SERVICE ACT [CAP. 193 R.E. 2023] Provided that, the command in respect of the military operations of the National Service shall vest in the Chief of Defence Forces. Repealed - 24 Verify source ↗
Repealed
Section 24 is marked repealed, and the text mentions that the President may send servicemen to neighbouring states.
24. [Repealed by Act No. 2 of 1965 Sch.] [s. 12] [s. 13] President may send Servicemen to neighbouring states Acts Nos. 22 of 1975 s. 15 8 of 2010 s. 20 - 25 Verify source ↗
President may send Servicemen to neighbouring states
The President may send National Service members to a neighbouring state for service, if the Council advises and the other state’s government applies.
25.–(1) The President may, upon advice of the Council on the application of the Government of any neighbouring state, order parts or members of the National Service as he may think fit to proceed for service to the neighbouring state. (2) For the purposes of this section “neighbouring state” means any state having a common border with the United Republic and other state as the President may, by notice in the Gazette, declare to be a neighbouring state. (3) The members of the National Service serving outside the United Republic under the provisions of this section shall be under the orders of their own superior officers, and in so far as appertains to the maintenance of discipline, be subject to the provisions of this Act, rules and orders made thereunder and as far as is possible, perform duties of a like nature to those which they may be required to perform in Tanzania except as aforesaid, this section shall not operate contrary to the general law for the time being in force in neighbouring state which shall apply to and be observed by members of the Service. [s. 14] PART V DISCIPLINE Repealed 26-29. [Repealed by Act No. 22 of 1975 s. 16.] [ss. 15-18] 720 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE NATIONAL SERVICE ACT [CAP. 193 R.E. 2023] Persons causing disaffection, etc. Arms and accoutrements False statements and forgery Acts Nos. 64 of 1966 s. 6 31 of 1974 s. 11
Part
PART V
- 30 Verify source ↗
Persons causing disaffection, etc
A person must not cause disaffection among National Service members or induce them to desert or breach discipline; doing so is an offence punishable on conviction by a fine, imprisonment, or both.
30. A person who- (a) causes or attempts to cause or does any act calculated to cause disaffection amongst members of the National Service; or (b) induces or attempts to induce, or does any act calculated to induce any member of the National Service to desert or to commit any breach of discipline, commits an offence and on conviction, shall be liable to a fine not exceeding two thousand shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to both. [s. 19] - 31 Verify source ↗
Arms and accoutrements
When a National Service member leaves the Service, they must promptly return specified government property; failing to do so is an offence punishable by a fine, imprisonment, or both.
31.–(1) Where a member of the National Service ceases to belong to the Service, powers and authorities vested in him by or under this Act shall immediately cease and determine and he shall forthwith deliver up to the person appointed by the Chief of National Service for that purpose, arms, ammunition, accoutrements, clothing, uniform and other appointments which have been supplied to him or entrusted to his care and are the property of the United Republic. (2) A member of the National Service who, having ceased to belong to the Service, fails to deliver up any arms, ammunition, accoutrements, clothing, uniform or other appointments as required by this section, commits an offence and on conviction, shall be liable to a fine not exceeding four hundred shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months or to both. [s. 20] - 32 Verify source ↗
False statements and forgery
A person commits an offence if they knowingly or recklessly make a false material statement, or if they deceive others by forging, using, lending, or possessing certificate-like documents under the Act.
32. A person who- (a) in giving any information for the purposes of this Act knowingly or recklessly makes a statement which is false in a material particular; or (b) with intent to deceive- (i) forges, or uses, or lends to or allows to be used by any other person, any certificate issued under this Act; or 721 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE NATIONAL SERVICE ACT [CAP. 193 R.E. 2023] (ii) makes, or has in his possession any document closely resembling any certificate issued, as to be calculated to deceive, commits an offence and on conviction, shall be liable to a fine not exceeding five thousand shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to both. [s. 20A] Penalty for other offences Acts Nos. 64 of 1966 s. 6 11 of 1974 s. 12 - 33 Verify source ↗
Penalty for other offences
A person who commits an offence under the Act, where no other penalty is expressly provided, is liable on conviction to a fine of up to two thousand shillings.
33. A person who commits an offence under this Act, for which a penalty is not expressly provided, on conviction, shall be liable to a fine not exceeding two thousand shillings. [s. 20B] Rules and orders Acts Nos. 64 of 1966 s. 7 46 of 1969 s. 3 22 of 1975 s. 17 PART VI RULES AND ORDERS
Part
PART VI
- 34 Verify source ↗
Rules and orders
The Minister may make rules on Service organisation, personnel matters, allowances, equipment, discharge, leave, good order, and replacement of lost or damaged postponement certificates. The Chief of National Service may also make orders on discipline, organisation, personnel movements, and stores, and may delegate those powers.
34.–(1) In addition to the powers to make rules provided in the foregoing provisions of this Act, the Minister may make rules relating to the following matters: (a) the establishment, organisation and distribution of the Service, and the various ranks and appointments therein; (b) the duties to be performed by members of the Service and their guidance in the discharge of the duties; (c) allowances of members of the Service; (d) requiring that, where a member of the Service is granted permission to enter into employment of any person, his employment shall be governed by terms and conditions as may be specified in the rules; (e) the description and issue of arms, ammunition, accoutrements, uniforms, emblems and badges of rank and necessaries to be supplied to members of the Service; (f) the conditions governing the discharge of members of the Service; (g) leave conditions of the Service; (h) generally for the good order and government of the Service; 722 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE NATIONAL SERVICE ACT [CAP. 193 R.E. 2023] (i) issue in specified circumstances of fresh postponement certificates in place of certificates which have been lost, destroyed or defaced. (2) Subject to the provisions of this Act, rules made under the provisions of this section may, subject to any restrictions or exceptions therein contained, empower the Chief of National Service to make general, special, routine and standing orders with respect of any of the following matters: (a) the discipline, good order and guidance of the branches, units and subunits under his command; (b) the organisation and duties of the branches, units and subunits under his command; (c) the distribution, posting, transfer, attachment and inspection of personnel; and (d) the description, supply, use and disposal of arms accoutrements, clothing and other stores. (3) The Chief of National Service may delegate any of his powers under subsection (2) to any other officer or member of the Service. [s. 21] Rules to prevail where conflict between rules and written laws Acts Nos. 46 of 1969 s. 4 31 of 1974 s. 13 22 of 1975 s. 18 - 35 Verify source ↗
Rules to prevail where conflict between rules and written laws
Employment rules made under section 34(1)(d) bind both the member of the Service and the employer, even if another law or the employment contract says otherwise.
35. Where, under section 34(1)(d) rules are made providing for rules of employment of a member of the Service who is employed by any person, the rules shall be binding on the member as well as on the employer notwithstanding any written law to the contrary and notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in any contract of employment. [s. 21A] PART VII MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS Unlawful possession of articles supplied to members of Service
Part
PART VII
- 36 Verify source ↗
Unlawful possession of articles supplied to members of Service
It is an offence for non-members of the Service to possess certain articles supplied to Service members without satisfactorily explaining possession, and for anyone without lawful authority to buy or help sell/dispose of those articles.
36.–(1) A person not being a member of the Service who is found in possession of any article whatsoever which has been supplied to a member for use in the execution of his duty and fails to account satisfactorily for his possession thereof, 723 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE NATIONAL SERVICE ACT [CAP. 193 R.E. 2023] Unauthorised use of uniforms, decorations, etc. Act No. 22 of 1975 s. 19 commits an offence and on conviction, shall be liable to a fine not exceeding four hundred shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months or to both. (2) A person who, without lawful authority- (a) purchases any article whatsoever which has been supplied to a member for use in the execution of his duty; or (b) aids and abets the member in selling or disposing of any article, commits an offence and on conviction, shall be liable to a fine not exceeding four hundred shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months or to both. [s. 22] - 37 Verify source ↗
Unauthorised use of uniforms, decorations, etc
A person must not, without lawful authority, wear or use National Service uniforms, marks, medals, badges, decorations, or similar items, or deal in them in the ways listed.
37. A person who without lawful authority, the proof of which shall lie upon him- (a) wears a uniform of the National Service or any other uniform that is similar to the uniform of National Service that it is likely to be mistaken therefor; (b) wears a distinctive mark relating to wounds received or service performed in any National Service operation, or a medal, ribbon, badge, chevron or any decoration or order that is awarded in relation to any service in the National Service, or any imitation thereof, or any mark or device or thing that is likely to be mistaken for any mark, medal, ribbon, badge, chevron, decoration or order; (c) falsely represents himself to be a person who is or has been entitled to use or wear any thing as specified in paragraph (b) of this subsection; or (d) purchases or takes in pawn any decoration or order awarded to any member of the National Service or solicits or procures any person to sell or pledge any decoration, or acts for any person in the sale or pledging thereof unless at the time of purchasing, taking, soliciting, procuring or acting, the person to 724 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE NATIONAL SERVICE ACT [CAP. 193 R.E. 2023] whom the decoration or order was awarded was dead or had otherwise ceased to be a member of the National Service and the Defence Forces, commits an offence and on conviction, shall be liable to a fine not exceeding two thousand shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to both. [s. 22A] Use of uniforms or other articles for theatrical performance Act No. 22 of 1975 s. 19 - 38 Verify source ↗
Use of uniforms or other articles for theatrical performance
Section 36 or 37 does not stop people from using or wearing certain National Service or military-style badges as ornaments, or from wearing uniforms or related items in a theatrical performance.
38. Section 36 or 37 shall not prohibit- (a) the use or wearing of National Service badges for purposes of ornaments or the wearing of brooches or other ornaments representing military badges; or (b) the wearing or use of uniforms or things as are referred to in section 36 and 37 for purposes of any theatrical performance. Repealed - 39 Verify source ↗
Repealed
This section was repealed and omitted.
39. [Repealed by Act No. 22 of 1975 s. 20.] Omitted - 40 Verify source ↗
Omitted
This section is omitted and marked as a transitional provision.
40. [Omitted]. [s. 22B] [s. 23] [s. 24] Transitional provision - 41 Verify source ↗
Transitional provision
Units of the National Service that were raised and maintained in Tanzania before this Act started are treated as if they were raised under this Act.
41. The units raised and maintained in Tanzania under the authority of the Government under the style of the National Service before the commencement of this Act with effect from the commencement of this Act, shall be deemed to have been raised under this Act. [s. 25] 725 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE NATIONAL SERVICE ACT [CAP. 193 R.E. 2023] FIRST SCHEDULE (Section 5(5)) THE NATIONAL SERVICE ACT (CAP. 193) DECLARATION I, ........................................, swear by Almighty God/do solemnly and sincerely declare that I will be faithful and loyal to the United Republic of Tanzania and that I will faithfully serve the United Republic during my service in the National Service and will obey all orders of the President and of the officers placed over me. ............................................................ Signature or Mark of Serviceman Declared at .............................................. this ................................................ day of ...................................... 20........ Before me ............................ SECOND SCHEDULE [Omitted] THIRD SCHEDULE [Repealed by Act No. 31 of 1974 s. 14] 726 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.
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