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Tanzania Act or statute

Parliament of Tanzania

The Ward Tribunals Act

This section gives the Act’s short title: it may be cited as the Ward Tribunals Act. This section defines key terms used in the Act. A tribunal must be established for every ward in Tanzania, and…

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Tanzania
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31 provisions
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The Ward Tribunals Act
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01

Purpose and legislative effect

“This section gives the Act’s short title: it may be cited as the Ward Tribunals Act.”

This section gives the Act’s short title: it may be cited as the Ward Tribunals Act. This section defines key terms used in the Act. A tribunal must be established for every ward in Tanzania, and the Minister may establish two tribunals for a ward by Gazette notice if special circumstances make that necessary or desirable. This section sets how a Tribunal is made up, who appoints its chairman and secretary, how many members make a quorum, and how decisions are made. A person cannot be nominated as a Tribunal member if they fall within listed disqualifying categories, and a person cannot be recommended as Tribunal Secretary unless the Ward Committee considers them suitably literate, educated, and able to perform the duties.

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Short title

This section gives the Act’s short title: it may be cited as the Ward Tribunals Act.

Section 1

Particular matters of jurisdiction

A tribunal can hear and decide the offences and civil disputes listed in the Schedule, and it may impose penalties only to the extent the Schedule allows. The Minister may change the Schedule by Gazette order.

Section 9

Tribunal to pursue principles of justice

A Tribunal must try to do justice and resolve disputes amicably, and it must not decide a complaint unless each party has had an equal chance to speak and present witnesses, and any member with a personal or financial interest has disclosed it and not…

Section 16

Jurisdiction on land matters

Sections 20, 21, 22 and 23 do not apply to the ward Tribunal when it is exercising jurisdiction over land matters.

Section 24

Repeal

This section repeals two earlier instruments and lists offences with their penalties.

Section 31

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Showing 31 of 31 provisions

Provision 19Offence 6Repeal 2Short title
§ 1Short titleShort title

This section gives the Act’s short title: it may be cited as the Ward Tribunals Act.

1. This Act may be cited as the Ward Tribunals Act. Interpretation Act No. 18 of 1995 Sch.
Section 1Verify source
§ 2InterpretationInterpretation

This section defines key terms used in the Act.

2. In this Act unless the context requires otherwise- “appropriate authority”, when used in relation to a Tribunal, means the district council or the urban authority within whose area the Tribunal is established, and includes any person appointed by the appropriate authority to perform any of its functions under this Act; “Chairman” means the Chairman of a Tribunal and includes a person appointed to preside at proceedings of the Tribunal; “dispute” includes any case where a person complains of, and is genuinely aggrieved by, the actions of another person, or any case in which a complaint is made in an official capacity or is a complaint against an official act; “member” means a member of a Tribunal, and includes the Chairman; “Minister” means the Minister responsible for Local Government Authorities; 219 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE WARD TRIBUNALS ACT [CAP. 206 R.E. 2023] Cap. 287 Cap. 288 Cap. 287 Cap. 288 “Tribunal” means a Ward Tribunal established under section 3; “urban ward” means any ward constituted under the jurisdiction of an urban authority; “village” means any registered village or Ujamaa Village registered or designated under the Local Government (District Authorities) Act, or the Local Government (Urban Authorities) Act; “village council” means a village council established under the Local-Government (District Authorities) Act, or the Local Government (Urban Authorities) Act; “ward committee” means a ward committee established under the Local Government (District Authorities) Act, or the Local Government (Urban Authorities) Act, for the ward in which the Tribunal is established. PART II THE WARD TRIBUNALS Establishment of Ward Tribunals Act No. 12 of 1990 Sch.
Section 2Verify source

Part

PART II

§ 3Establishment of Ward TribunalsProvision

A tribunal must be established for every ward in Tanzania, and the Minister may establish two tribunals for a ward by Gazette notice if special circumstances make that necessary or desirable.

3. There is hereby established a tribunal for every ward in Tanzania to be known as the Ward Tribunal for the ward for which it is established: Composition of Tribunals Act No. 12 of 1990 Sch. Provided that the Minister may, by notice published in the Gazette, establish two tribunals for a Ward if he is of the opinion that there are special circumstances which make it necessary or desirable to do so.
Section 3Verify source
§ 4Composition of TribunalsProvision

This section sets how a Tribunal is made up, who appoints its chairman and secretary, how many members make a quorum, and how decisions are made.

4.–(1) A Tribunal shall consist of- (a) not less than four nor more than eight other members elected by the Ward Committee from amongst a list of names of persons resident in the ward compiled in the prescribed manner; and (b) a Chairman of the Tribunal appointed by the appropriate authority from among the members elected under paragraph (a). 220 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE WARD TRIBUNALS ACT [CAP. 206 R.E. 2023] (2) There shall be a secretary of the Tribunal who shall be appointed by the local government authority in which the ward in question is situated, upon recommendation by the Ward Committee. (3) The quorum at a sitting of a Tribunal shall be one half of the total number of members. (4) At any sitting of the Tribunal, a decision of the majority of members present shall be deemed to be the decision of the Tribunal, and in the event of an equality of votes the Chairman shall have a casting vote in addition to his original vote. Qualifications of members
Section 4Verify source
§ 5Qualifications of membersOffence

A person cannot be nominated as a Tribunal member if they fall within listed disqualifying categories, and a person cannot be recommended as Tribunal Secretary unless the Ward Committee considers them suitably literate, educated, and able to perform the duties.

5.–(1) A person shall not be entitled to be nominated as a member of a Tribunal if he is- (a) a member of the National Assembly; (b) a member of a village council or a Ward Committee; (c) a civil servant; (d) a legally qualified person or any person who is employed in the Judiciary; (e) a person under the apparent age of eighteen years; (f) a mentally unfit person; (g) a person who has previously been convicted of a criminal offence involving moral turpitude; or (h) a person who is not a citizen of the United Republic. (2) A person shall not be recommended as a Secretary of a Tribunal unless he is, in the opinion of the Ward Committee, sufficiently literate and educated and capable of satisfactorily discharging the duties of Secretary. Tenure of office of members Act No. 12 of 1990 Sch.
Section 5Verify source
§ 6Tenure of office of membersProvision

Tribunal members serve a three-year term from election and may be re-elected. If a vacancy arises, the appropriate authority must appoint someone to fill it until the next election.

6.–(1) A member of a Tribunal shall hold office for a term of three years from the date of his election and shall be eligible for re-election. (2) If a vacancy occurs in the membership of a Tribunal by death, resignation or effluxion of time or any other reasonable cause the appropriate authority shall appoint an appropriate person to fill the vacancy until the date of the next election of members. 221 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE WARD TRIBUNALS ACT [CAP. 206 R.E. 2023] (3) Appointment to the office of Secretary shall be permanent in the service of the Local Government Authority within which the Tribunal to which he is appointed to be Secretary is situated. Role of appropriate authority in relation to Tribunal
Section 6Verify source
§ 7Role of appropriate authority in relation to TribunalProvision

The appropriate authority for a Tribunal must set general policy for the Tribunal and help ensure it performs its functions smoothly and effectively.

7. The appropriate authority in respect of a Tribunal shall be responsible for the general policy regarding the operation of the Tribunal and shall ensure, facilitate and promote the smooth and effective performance by the Tribunal of its functions. General jurisdiction PART III JURISDICTION, POWER AND PROCEDURE
Section 7Verify source

Part

PART III

§ 8General jurisdictionProvision

Each Tribunal must try mediation and amicable settlement first, and it may adjourn dispute proceedings if that could help settle the dispute.

8.–(1) The primary function of each Tribunal shall be to secure peace and harmony in the area for which it is established by mediating and endeavouring to obtain just and amicable settlement of disputes. (2) In all matters before it relating to a dispute, a Tribunal shall attempt to reach a settlement by mediation before exercising its compulsive jurisdiction as provided under this Act, and may adjourn any proceedings relating to a dispute in which it is exercising that jurisdiction if it thinks that by doing so a just and amicable settlement of the dispute may be reached. (3) Without prejudice to the generality of subsections (1) and (2), a Tribunal shall have and exercise jurisdiction in relation to all matters and disputes arising under all laws and directives passed by the appropriate authority, and laws and orders in force in relation to or affecting the business and affairs of the ward made or passed by a local government authority or any other competent legislative authority within the area of the Tribunal’s jurisdiction. Particular matters of jurisdiction
Section 8Verify source
§ 9Particular matters of jurisdictionAmendment

A tribunal can hear and decide the offences and civil disputes listed in the Schedule, and it may impose penalties only to the extent the Schedule allows. The Minister may change the Schedule by Gazette order.

9.–(1) Without prejudice to the generality of the jurisdiction conferred on a Tribunal by section 8, a tribunal shall have jurisdiction to enquire into and determine disputes relating to the offences and civil disputes specified in the Schedule to this 222 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE WARD TRIBUNALS ACT [CAP. 206 R.E. 2023] Act and may impose penalties to the extent specified in that Schedule. (2) The Minister may, by order published in the Gazette, amend, vary or replace any of the provisions of the Schedule to this Act. Pecuniary jurisdiction Act No. 12 of 1990 Sch.
Section 9Verify source

Part

Schedule.

§ 10Pecuniary jurisdictionOffence

A tribunal’s awards and penalties are limited: criminal fines up to 10,000 shillings, community work up to 10 days for certain unpaid fines, referral to the Primary Court for larger unpaid fines, and civil awards up to 10,000 shillings.

10.–(1) Notwithstanding measures imposable by a tribunal under section 17, a tribunal shall, in the exercise of its jurisdiction be limited to the following awards and penalties- (a) in criminal matters, a fine not exceeding ten thousand shillings; (b) in default of payment of a fine which does not exceed one thousand shillings, the convicted person shall be committed to work on an on-going communal project for not more than ten days; (c) in case of default of payment of a fine exceeding one thousand shillings, the matter shall be referred to the Primary Court for committal of the convicted person to prison or any other appropriate action under the law; and (d) in civil matters, awards not exceeding ten thousand shillings. (2) Subject to section 19, the power to commit persons to imprisonment under this Act shall vest in Primary Courts.
Section 10Verify source
§ 11Reference of matters to TribunalOffence

People may lodge a complaint about an alleged offence with specified local or tribunal officials, and the tribunal secretary must record and process it.

11.–(1) Proceedings may be instituted by making of a complaint to the secretary of a Tribunal, the Secretary of an appropriate authority, the Chairman of a Village Council or a ten-cell leader. (2) Any person who reasonably believes that any person has committed an offence may make a complaint about the matter to any of the persons specified in subsection (1). (3) A complaint may be made orally or in writing, but if made orally shall be reduced in writing by the person to whom it is made and, in either case, shall be signed by the complainant and the person to whom it is made. 223 Reference of matters to Tribunal ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE WARD TRIBUNALS ACT [CAP. 206 R.E. 2023] Summons and date of hearing Appearance of parties (4) When a complaint is made to any person, that person shall, if he is not the Secretary of the Tribunal, cause it to be submitted to the Secretary of the Tribunal who shall enter it in the records of the Tribunal and arrange for it to be heard and determined by the Tribunal in accordance with the procedure of the Tribunal for the hearing and determination of disputes submitted to it.
Section 11Verify source
§ 12Summons and date of hearingProvision

The Secretary must issue summons to people involved in a complaint, and they must attend the Tribunal on the date stated in the summons.

12. Subject to the procedure made in that behalf by the appropriate authority, the Secretary shall issue summons to the parties involved in a complaint requiring them to attend before the Tribunal on the date specified in the summons for the complaint to be investigated and determined.
Section 12Verify source
§ 13Appearance of partiesProvision

Parties must appear before the Tribunal on the summons date, give evidence, and answer questions, subject to the child/assistance rule.

13.–(1) On the date specified in the summons the parties shall, subject to subsection (3), appear in person before the Tribunal, give their evidence and answer all questions put to them by any member of the Tribunal. (2) Where on the date specified in the summons the complainant does not without reasonable cause, appear, the Tribunal shall dismiss the complaint and it shall not subsequently be brought before it; but if the Tribunal considers that the absence of the complainant is due to a reasonable cause or if the person complained against is absent, the Tribunal shall adjourn the hearing to some date which it may specify, and inform the appropriate authority of the absence of the person complained against. (3) Where the complainant or the person complained against is a child below eighteen years of age, or is a person who for any sufficient cause cannot adequately put his case or defend himself, that person may appear before the Tribunal together with his parent, guardian, relative or friend who may, subject to the procedure adopted by the Tribunal, assist him in the examination or cross examination of witnesses or the making of submissions before the Tribunal. 224 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE WARD TRIBUNALS ACT [CAP. 206 R.E. 2023] Proceedings to be in public
Section 13Verify source
§ 14Proceedings to be in publicProvision

Tribunal proceedings are public, unless the Tribunal decides public access should be restricted because it is in the public interest.

14. All proceedings before a Tribunal shall be open to the public unless, in the opinion of the Tribunal, it is in the public interest that the public or any person be excluded from any part of the proceedings. Proceedings before Tribunal
Section 14Verify source

Part

part of the proceedings.

§ 15Proceedings before TribunalProvision

The Tribunal is not bound by court evidence or procedure rules, may regulate its own procedure, and may hear witness statements and examine relevant documents.

15.–(1) The Tribunal shall not be bound by any rules of evidence or procedure applicable to any court. (2) A Tribunal shall, subject to the provisions of this Act, Tribunal to pursue principles of justice Measures imposable by Tribunal regulate its own procedure. (3) In the exercise of its functions under this Act a Tribunal shall have power to hear statements of witnesses produced by parties to a complaint, and to examine any relevant document produced by any party.
Section 15Verify source
§ 16Tribunal to pursue principles of justiceProvision

A Tribunal must try to do justice and resolve disputes amicably, and it must not decide a complaint unless each party has had an equal chance to speak and present witnesses, and any member with a personal or financial interest has disclosed it and not participated.

16.–(1) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 15, a Tribunal shall in all proceedings seek to do justice to the parties and to reach a decision which will secure the peaceful and amicable resolution of the dispute, reconciliation of the parties and the furtherance of the social and economic interests of the village or ward as a whole in which the dispute originates. (2) For the purposes of securing a just determination of a complaint, the Tribunal shall not make a decision on any complaint unless- (a) it has given an equal opportunity to each party to explain his part of the matter and to present his witnesses; and (b) any member of the Tribunal having any personal or financial interest in the complaint has disclosed it and not taken part in the proceedings.
Section 16Verify source
§ 17Measures imposable by TribunalProvision

The Tribunal may order several measures when proceedings end.

17. At the conclusion of the proceedings the Tribunal may order that- (a) the party at fault apologise to the other party; (b) a person be censured or admonished at a meeting of the Village Assembly or Ward meeting; (c) the party at fault pay a specified fine not exceeding a certain amount prescribed by the appropriate or other legislative authority; 225 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE WARD TRIBUNALS ACT [CAP. 206 R.E. 2023] Enforcement of measures of Tribunal Order of imprisonment and its endorsement Act No. 1 of 2013 s. 24 (d) one party pay back what is due to the other party; (e) the defaulting party do some specific community work; (f) the defaulting party pay compensation; (g) the defaulting party carry out any other sanction acceptable in the village or ward concerned; or (h) the parties perform any customary act or acts which signify reconciliation.
Section 17Verify source
§ 18Enforcement of measures of TribunalOffence

The appropriate authority must set up a system to help make Tribunal measures and orders fully carried out. A person who, without reasonable cause, disobeys a Tribunal order under the Act (where no other penalty applies) commits an offence and may be fined or imprisoned.

18.–(1) The appropriate authority shall devise an appropriate system for facilitating and securing the proper and full performance of the measures imposed and orders made by the Tribunal at the conclusion of the proceedings in relation to any matter referred to it. (2) A person who fails, without reasonable cause (the burden of proof of which is on him), to obey any order of the Tribunal under this Act for which no other penalty is prescribed shall be guilty of 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 months or to both.
Section 18Verify source
§ 19Order of imprisonment and its endorsementProvision

Tribunal imprisonment orders must be in the prescribed form and promptly sent to the relevant magistrate for endorsement before they take effect.

19.–(1) An order of a Tribunal for imprisonment under this Act shall be in the prescribed form and, pending endorsement of the order under subsection (2), the convicted person shall be held in such custody, or shall be released on such terms, as may be ordered by the Tribunal. (2) Subject to subsection (3), an order of imprisonment under this Act shall have no force or effect unless endorsed by the Primary Court Magistrate or Resident Magistrate for the area in which the Tribunal is established. (3) The Tribunal after making an order for imprisonment shall immediately cause it to be presented to the Primary Court Magistrate or Resident Magistrate for endorsement. (4) The Primary Court Magistrate or Resident Magistrate to whom the order is presented for endorsement, shall endorse the order without delay, unless he has reason to believe that the Tribunal acted without jurisdiction or in excess of its powers. 226 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE WARD TRIBUNALS ACT [CAP. 206 R.E. 2023] (5) Where the Primary Court Magistrate or Resident Magistrate is convinced that the Tribunal has acted without jurisdiction or in excess of its powers, he shall exercise the power of revision provided for under section 21. (6) The endorsed order under this section shall have the same effect as any sentence of imprisonment imposed by a Primary Court under any other written law. (7) Where the order remitted to the Primary Court under subsection (3) is beyond the pecuniary jurisdiction of the Primary Court the Magistrate or Resident Magistrate shall immediately refer the same to the higher court of appropriate jurisdiction in accordance with the provisions of the Magistrates’ Courts Act. PART IV MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS Cap. 11 Appeals from decisions of Tribunal Act No. 12 of 1990 Sch.
Section 19Verify source

Part

PART IV

§ 20Appeals from decisions of TribunalProvision

A person aggrieved by a Tribunal decision may appeal in writing to a Primary Court within 60 days, but some low-value criminal and civil cases need leave of the Primary Court and may not be entertained otherwise.

20.–(1) Subject to subsection (2), a person aggrieved by a decision of a Tribunal may within sixty days appeal in writing to a Primary Court. (2) Except with the leave of the Primary Court, appeal shall not be entertained under the following circumstances- (a) in criminal cases in which the fine imposed does not exceed five hundred shillings; and (b) in civil matters where the award does not exceed eight hundred shillings. (3) Except on points of law where the final appeal lies to the District Court, decision of a Primary Court on any appeal made to it shall be final and conclusive. Review and revisional jurisdiction of Primary Court
Section 20Verify source
§ 21Review and revisional jurisdiction of Primary CourtSubstitution

A Primary Court may review Tribunal proceedings, and it has powers to revise them, substitute conviction and sentence for an acquittal, quash the proceedings, or order a rehearing.

21.–(1) A Primary Court may call for and examine the record of any proceedings of a Tribunal, for the purpose of satisfying itself as to whether in such proceedings the Tribunal’s decision- (a) does not contravene any Act of Parliament, or subsidiary legislation; (b) does not conflict with the rules of natural justice; and 227 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE WARD TRIBUNALS ACT [CAP. 206 R.E. 2023] (c) was made by such Tribunal when it was properly constituted or without excess of jurisdiction, and may revise any such proceedings. (2) In the exercise of its revisional jurisdiction, a Primary Court has power to substitute conviction and sentence for an acquittal, to quash the proceedings and to order a rehearing. (3) In the case of civil matters, the revisional jurisdiction of a Primary Court shall be restricted to increasing any sum awarded or altering the rights of any party to his detriment. (4) Proceedings under this section shall not be revised after the expiration of twelve months from the conclusion of such proceedings in the Tribunal.
Section 21Verify source
§ 22Hearing of appeals and exercise of revisional jurisdictionProvision

In appeals against a Tribunal decision, the Primary Court Magistrate or Resident Magistrate must sit with at least two assessors, the Primary Court must review records and may take evidence and make inquiries, and a party may appear personally or through a non-lawyer representative.

22.–(1) In the hearing of an appeal against any decision of a Tribunal the Primary Court Magistrate or Resident Magistrate shall sit with not less than two assessors. (2) The Primary Court in dealing with appeals against any decision of the Tribunal shall- (a) consider the records relevant to the decision; and (b) receive such evidence, if any, and make such inquiries as it may deem necessary. (3) A party to any proceeding appealed against or under revision, may appear- (a) personally; or (b) by representative (other than a lawyer).
Section 22Verify source
§ 23Decision on appeals or revisionProvision

This section lets a Primary Court confirm, quash, or send back a Tribunal decision on appeal or review, and requires certain magistrates to record and forward appeal/revision decisions to the District Court.

23.–(1) A Primary Court hearing an appeal against or making a review of a decision of the Tribunal may- (a) confirm the decision; (b) quash the decision; or (c) order the matter to be dealt with again by the Tribunal, and may, if it deems appropriate, give an order or direction as to how any defect in the earlier decision may be rectified. (2) A Primary Court Magistrate or Resident Magistrate hearing an appeal or making a revision shall- (a) record the decision of the court on the appeal or revision and the reasons thereof; and 228 Hearing of appeals and exercise of revisional jurisdiction Act No. 1 of 2013 s. 25 Decision on appeals or revision Act No. 1 of 2013 s. 26 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE WARD TRIBUNALS ACT [CAP. 206 R.E. 2023] Cap. 11 (b) forward it to the District Court. (3) The District Court may apply its revisional jurisdiction under the Magistrates’ Courts Act, in respect of any appeal or revision recorded by a Primary Court Magistrate or Resident Magistrate under subsection (2). Jurisdiction on land matters Act No. 2 of 2002 Sch.
Section 23Verify source
§ 24Jurisdiction on land mattersProvision

Sections 20, 21, 22 and 23 do not apply to the ward Tribunal when it is exercising jurisdiction over land matters.

24. The provisions of sections 20, 21, 22 and 23 shall not apply to the ward Tribunal in the exercise of its jurisdiction in any matter relating to land. [s. 23A] Records of Tribunal Inspection of Tribunals
Section 24Verify source
§ 25Records of TribunalProvision

The Tribunal must keep proper records of its proceedings, and the Tribunal Secretary must record the evidence and other matters that occur during the proceedings.

25.–(1) A Tribunal shall cause to be kept and maintained proper records of its proceedings in appropriate form. (2) The Secretary of a Tribunal shall be responsible for recording all the evidence adduced and other matters formally transpiring during the proceedings before the Tribunal and all other matters in connection with it. (3) The records of the Tribunal shall be deemed to be records of the Ward Committee and shall, for that purpose, be public records. [s. 24]
Section 25Verify source
§ 2627. Public education of officers, etcProvision

The Minister must set up inspection and instruction arrangements for tribunals, local government authorities, and Ward Committees, after consulting the minister responsible for regional administration and by Gazette notice. The Minister may also appoint persons or authorities in that notice.

26.–(1) The Minister shall, after consultation with the Minister responsible for regional administration, by notice published in the Gazette, make provisions for a system of inspection of Tribunals and instruction of local government authorities and Ward Committees for the purposes of ensuring the furtherance of the purposes and objects of this Act. (2) The Minister may, in the notice under subsection (1) appoint such persons or authorities as he may think fit for the purposes of this section. [s. 25] Public education of officers, etc. Act No. 12 of 1990 Sch.
Section 26Verify source
§ 27Public education of officers, etcProvision

The Minister must work with other public authorities to prepare programmes, schemes, and seminars to educate the public and Tribunal officials about how Tribunals perform their functions.

27. The Minister shall, in co-operation with any other Minister, Ministry, Department or other public authority formulate suitable programmes, schemes and seminars for the information and education of the public and the officers 229 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE WARD TRIBUNALS ACT [CAP. 206 R.E. 2023] and members of Tribunals on the methods of performing the functions of the Tribunals, for the purposes of ensuring their efficient and just operation. [s. 26] Remuneration of members Act No. 12 of 1990 Sch.
Section 27Verify source
§ 28Remuneration of membersOffence

Tribunal members are to be paid a sitting or other allowance set by the appropriate authority with Ward Committees involved.

28. The members of a Tribunal shall be paid such sitting or other allowance as the appropriate authority may, in collaboration with the Ward Committees, determine. [s. 27] Offences
Section 28Verify source
§ 29OffencesOffence

A person who disobeys a Tribunal summons, refuses to answer questions, or obstructs the Tribunal commits contempt and may be fined up to 800 shillings, assigned community work, or both.

29. A person who- (a) wilfully or without reasonable cause fails or refuses to attend before a Tribunal in response to a summons served on him; (b) having attended, refuses or fails to answer any question put to him by any member; or (c) does any act or thing which obstructs the proper functioning of a Tribunal or impedes any officer of the Tribunal or other person authorised by the Tribunal in the performance of its functions, is guilty of the offence of contempt of the Tribunal and on conviction shall be liable to a fine not exceeding eight hundred shillings or be required to perform some specific community work or to both. [s. 28]
Section 29Verify source
§ 30Directions by MinisterRepeal

The Minister may give directions about Tribunal operations, and authorities and persons concerned must comply with them.

30.–(1) The Minister may, give directions to the appropriate authorities in connection with operations of Tribunals including prescribing matters required to be prescribed under this Act, and all authorities and persons concerned shall carry out or comply with all those directions and prescriptions. (2) The Minister shall cause to be published all directions and prescriptions under this section in such manner as he deems appropriate, including publication in the Gazette. [s. 29] 230 Directions by Minister ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE WARD TRIBUNALS ACT [CAP. 206 R.E. 2023] Repeal GNs Nos. 219 of 1969 219A of 1969 108 of 1971
Section 30Verify source
§ 31RepealRepeal

This section repeals two earlier instruments and lists offences with their penalties.

31. [Repeals the Arbitration Tribunals Regulations, 1969, Kanuni kuhusu Mabaraza ya Usuluhishi 1969 and the Marriage Concilliation Board Establishment Order, 1971] [s. 30] SCHEDULE (Section 9) PART I OFFENCES AND PENALTIES UNDER THE PENAL CODE Offence Section Maximum Penalty Going armed in public Forcible detainer Affray Challenge to fight a duels. s. 84 s. 86 s. 87 s. 88 Using abusive language and brawling s. 89(1) Threatening with violences. s. 89(2) Dissuading persons from participating s. 89C Disturbing religious assembly s. 126 Abduction of girls under 16 years s. 134 Insulting the modesty of a woman s. 35(3) Desertion of children Neglecting to provide food for children s. 166 s. 167 Idle and disorderly persons s. 176(b),(c) & (i) Wearing uniform without authority s. 178(1) Bringing contempt on uniforms s. 178(2) 231 Fine of Shs. 800/ - or 2 years imprisonment. Fine of Shs. 800/ - or 2 years imprisonment. Fine of Shs. 500/ - or imprisonment for 6 months. Fine of Shs. 800/ - or 2 years imprisonment. Fine of Shs. 500/ - or imprisonment for 6 months. Fine of Shs. 400/ - or imprisonment for 1 year. Fine of Shs. 1,000/ - or in self-help scheme imprisonment for 6 months. Fine of Shs.1,000/ - or 2 years imprisonment. Fine of Shs. 1,000/ - or 2 years imprisonment. Fine of Shs. 800/ - or imprisonment for 1 year. Fine of Shs. 1,000/ - or 2 years imprisonment. Fine of Shs.400/ - or 2 years imprisonment. Fine of Shs. 500/ - or (certain offences only)imprisonment for 3 months. Fine of Shs. 200/ - or imprisonment for 1 month. Fine of Shs. 400/ - or imprisonment for 3 months. ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE WARD TRIBUNALS ACT [CAP. 206 R.E. 2023] Offence Fouling water Common assault Section Maximum Penalty s. 185 s. 240 Fine of Shs. 2,000/- or 2 years imprisonment. Fine of Shs. 1,000/ - or imprisonment for one year. Omitting to take precautions against probable danger from any animal in one’s possession s. 233(d) Fine of Shs. 1,500/ - or 2 years in imprisonment. Attempting suicide s. 217 Concealing the birth of a child s. 218 Other negligent acts causing harm not specified in s. 233 Criminal trespass s. 234 s. 299 Fine of Shs. 300/ - or 6 months imprisonment. Fine of Shs. 1,000/ - or 2 years imprisonment. Fine of Shs. 1,000/ - or imprisonment for 6 months. Fine of Shs. 800/ - or imprisonment for 1 year. PART II OFFENCES AND PENALTIES UNDER OTHER LAWS Offence Section Maximum Penalty Gambling (gaming) under the Prevention of Gambling Act (Cap. 19) s. 3 Fine of Shs. 1,000/ - or imprisonment for 1 month. Under the Tsetse Fly (Control) Act (Cap. 100) (contravening regulations) Contravening of by-laws made by village council or Town, District or Municipal Council which relate to agricultural, educational and health matters Smoking noxious plants (bhang) (Cap. 95) Failure to enrol or send to school an enrolled child under the Public Primary Schools (Compulsory Enrolment and Attendance) Order, 977 Fine of Shs. 200/ - or imprisonment for 1 month. The sanction provided by the by-laws concerned. Fine of Shs. 2,000/ - or imprisonment for 12 months. The First Offenders: whole Order fine of Shs. 100/- or imprisonment for 1 month. Second Offenders: Fine of Shs. 500/- or imprisonment for 2 months. Subsequently: Imprisonment for 6 months. 232 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.
Section 31Verify source

Legislative relationships

9 referenced instruments

Names are derived from the stored provision headings and citation-enrichment layer. Treat this as a research index and verify each relationship against the source text.

G–M

2 instruments

  • Gambling Act

    Section 31

  • Magistrates’ Courts Act

    Section 19

N–S

2 instruments

  • Schedule to this Act

    Section 9

  • Secretary. Tenure of office of members Act

    Section 5

T–Z

5 instruments

  • Tribunal Order of imprisonment and its endorsement Act

    Section 17

  • Tribunal under this Act

    Section 18

  • Tribunals Act

    Section 3

  • Tribunals including prescribing matters required to be prescribed under this Act

    Section 30

  • Ward Tribunals Act

    Section 2

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