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Tanzania Act or statute

Parliament of Tanzania

The Societies Act

This section says the Act may be cited as the Societies Act. This section defines key terms used in the Act, including society, member, Minister, Registrar, office-bearer, registered society, and unlawful society.…

administrative notificationappointmentsasset disposalasset liquidationasset vestingassociation governanceassociation registrationauditscompliancecompliance with ordersderegistrationemployee transferenforcemententity registrationevidence productionfeesfilingsgovernanceinformation reportinginspectionlaw enforcement powersliabilitieslitigation riskmanagement presumptionmember informationmembership presumptionnotice servicenotice to registraroffencesoffences and penaltiesoperating restrictionspenaltiespostal addresspremises useproof of existenceprosecution consentpublic register searchpublic sector compliancepublication of informationrecord keepingrecords and accountsregistered officeregistrationregistration cancellationregistration complianceregistration refusalregistry administrationregulatory appealsregulatory complianceregulatory directivesregulatory inspectionregulatory investigationregulatory reportingsociety registrationsummonsunlawful societywinding up
Jurisdiction
Tanzania
Structure
39 provisions
Citation
The Societies Act
Dates
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01

Purpose and legislative effect

“This section says the Act may be cited as the Societies Act.”

This section says the Act may be cited as the Societies Act. This section defines key terms used in the Act, including society, member, Minister, Registrar, office-bearer, registered society, and unlawful society. An association may not operate as a society unless it is registered with the Registrar under this Act. An association that is registered under the Act but does not qualify as a society under section 2 is treated as de-registered after two months from when this section starts. The Minister may extend the time for an association to shift to its appropriate registry, if there is an application.

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Short title

This section says the Act may be cited as the Societies Act.

Section 1

Provisions on de-registration

This section applies when a society’s registration has been cancelled, keeps certain liabilities enforceable, gives the Official Receiver powers over assets and liabilities, and lets the Minister make written orders on related matters.

Section 11

Appeals

A qualifying society may appeal to the Minister against the Registrar’s refusal to register it or cancel its registration, usually within 21 days, and the Minister’s decision is final.

Section 20

Presumption of membership, etc., of society

If a person is found with certain society-related items, the law presumes the person is a member of the society, that the society still exists, and that the person helps manage it, unless proven otherwise.

Section 30

Rules

The Registrar may make rules for carrying out this Act and may set penalties for breaches of those rules.

Section 39

04

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Showing 39 of 39 provisions

Provision 19Offence 9Repeal 9Short title
§ 1Short titleShort title

This section says the Act may be cited as the Societies Act.

1. This Act may be cited as the Societies Act. Interpretation Ord. No. 22 of 1957 s. 2 Acts Nos. 76 of 1962 s. 2 51 of 1964 Sch. 45 of 1965 Sch. 6 of 1971 s. 6 5 of 1992 s. 19 9 of 2019 s. 38 and s. 39
Section 1Verify source
§ 23. Registration of associationProvision

This section defines key terms used in the Act, including society, member, Minister, Registrar, office-bearer, registered society, and unlawful society.

2.–(1) In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires- “declared objects” in relation to a society means the objects declared by the society at the time of the application for registration or subsequent variation of its objects made pursuant to rules made under this Act; “member” in relation to a society includes an office-bearer of the society; “Minister” means the Minister responsible for matters relating to societies; “office-bearer” in relation to a society means a person who is the president or vice-president or chairman or deputy chairman or secretary or treasurer of a society or who is a member of the governing committee or the governing or executive body thereof, or who holds in the society any office or position analogous to any of those mentioned above; “place” includes a vessel and a vehicle; “Registrar” means the officer appointed as Registrar of Societies and includes any officer appointed as Deputy Registrar of Societies or Assistant Registrar of Societies under section 6; 1 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE SOCIETIES ACT [CAP. 337 R.E. 2023] Cap. 212 Cap. 318 Cap. 366 Cap. 211 Cap. 258 Cap. 56 Cap. 407 Cap. 49 “registered society” means a society registered under this Act; “society” means a non-partisan and non-political association of ten or more persons established for professional, social, cultural, religion or economic benefits or welfare of its members, formed and registered under this Act, but does not include- (a) a company formed and registered under the Companies Act; (b) a trust formed and registered under the Trustees’ Incorporation Act; (c) a trade union formed and registered under the Employment and Labour Relations Act; (d) a cooperative society formed and registered under the Cooperative Societies Act; (e) an agricultural association formed and registered under any written law other than this Act; (f) a political party formed and registered under the Political Parties Act; (g) a non-governmental organization formed and registered under the Non-Governmental Organisations Act; (h) a community microfinance group (VICOBA) registered under the Microfinance Act; (i) a sports association formed and registered under the National Sports Council of Tanzania Act; and (j) any society which the Minister may, by order published in the Gazette, declare not to be a society for purposes of this Act; “unlawful society” means a society declared unlawful pursuant to section 9; (2) A branch of a society shall be deemed to be a society where the branch consists of ten or more members. (3) Where a body of persons whether corporate or unincorporate, is a member of a society, a member of that body shall be deemed to be a member of the society. 2 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE SOCIETIES ACT [CAP. 337 R.E. 2023] Registration of association Acts Nos. 6 of 1971 s. 6 9 of 2019 s. 40
Section 2Verify source
§ 3Registration of associationProvision

An association may not operate as a society unless it is registered with the Registrar under this Act.

3. An association shall not operate as a society within the meaning of this Act unless it is registered with the Registrar in accordance with the provisions of this Act. Cessation of registered society Acts Nos. 6 of 1971 s. 6 9 of 2019 s.40
Section 3Verify source
§ 4Cessation of registered societyProvision

An association that is registered under the Act but does not qualify as a society under section 2 is treated as de-registered after two months from when this section starts.

4. An association registered under this Act which does not fit to be a society by virtue of section 2 shall, after expiration of two months from the date of coming into operation of this section, be deemed to have been de-registered. Power of Minister to extend time Act No. 9 of 2019 s. 40
Section 4Verify source
§ 5Power of Minister to extend timeProvision

The Minister may extend the time for an association to shift to its appropriate registry, if there is an application.

5.–(1) Notwithstanding the provisions of this Act, the Minister may, upon application extend the time within which the association has to shift to its appropriate registry. Appointment of Registrars Ord. No. 22 of 1957 s. 3 (2) The Minister shall, when extending time applied under subsection (1), transmit the information for extension to the Minister under whom the registry in which the organisation required to be registered, belongs.
Section 5Verify source
§ 6Appointment of RegistrarsProvision

The President may appoint the Registrar of Societies and other registrars, and may give directives that the Registrar must follow.

6.–(1) The President may appoint a Registrar of Societies and number of Deputy Registrars and Assistant Registrars of Societies as he may consider necessary for purposes of this Act. (2) The President may give general or specific directives to the Registrar as to the performance of his duties and the exercise of his powers and the Registrar shall comply with any general or specific directives given. [s. 5] Protection of public officers
Section 6Verify source
§ 7Protection of public officersProvision

A suit cannot be brought against a public officer for an act or omission done in good faith, without negligence, and while exercising a power or performing a duty under this Act.

7. A suit shall not lie against any public officer for anything done or omitted to be done in good faith without negligence and in the intended exercise of any power or performance of any duty conferred or imposed on him by this Act. [s. 6] Registration of societies Act No. 9 of 2019 s. 41
Section 7Verify source
§ 8Registration of societiesOffence

Foreign societies intending to operate in Mainland Tanzania must comply with registration requirements under the Act, and an unregistered society commits an offence if it carries on business there.

8.–(1) A foreign society intending to operate in Mainland Tanzania shall comply with registration requirements under this Act. 3 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE SOCIETIES ACT [CAP. 337 R.E. 2023] (2) It shall be an offence for a society which is not registered in accordance with the provisions of this Act to carry out its business as a society in Mainland Tanzania. (3) For the purpose of this section, “foreign society” means a society registered outside Mainland Tanzania and operates in the country. [s. 7] President may declare society unlawful Act No. 9 of 2019 s. 38, 42
Section 8Verify source
§ 9President may declare society unlawfulRepeal

The President may, by order and in the public interest, declare a society unlawful, and may later revoke or vary that order.

9.–(1) It shall be lawful for the President, in his absolute discretion, where he considers it to be essential in the public interest, by order to declare to be unlawful a society which in his opinion is being used for a purpose- (a) prejudicial to, or incompatible with the maintenance of peace, order, morality and good governance; or (b) at variance with its declared objects. (2) A society declared by order of the President to be a society dangerous to the good governance of Mainland Tanzania shall be declared to be unlawful under the provisions of this section and the order made shall continue in force until revoked under this Act. (3) The President may at any time revoke or vary an order made under this section. (4) A society against which an order under this section is made shall be an unlawful society. (5) Where an order is made under this section in respect of a registered society or exempted society, the order shall operate immediately to cancel the registration or rescind the exemption, as the case may be. (6) A society against which an order under this section is made, shall be de-registered. Repealed
Section 9Verify source
§ 10RepealedRepeal

Section 10 is marked as repealed.

10. [Repealed by Act No. 9 of 2019 s. 43.] [s. 8] [s. 9] 4 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE SOCIETIES ACT [CAP. 337 R.E. 2023] Provisions on de- registration Acts Nos. 76 of 1962 s. 3 9 of 2019 s. 44
Section 10Verify source
§ 11Provisions on de-registrationRepeal

This section applies when a society’s registration has been cancelled, keeps certain liabilities enforceable, gives the Official Receiver powers over assets and liabilities, and lets the Minister make written orders on related matters.

11.–(1) The provisions of this section shall apply to a society whose registration has been cancelled under this Act. (2) The liabilities incurred by a director, officer or member of the company, association or other organisation or by a partner in the partnership shall continue and may be enforced as if the company, partnership, association or other organisation had not been dissolved. (3) The assets vested in or held on trust for and the liabilities incurred by an organisation which is a body corporate shall vest in the Official Receiver who shall take necessary steps to discharge those liabilities and liquidate the assets and distribute the same to the members of the organisation in accordance with the law relating to the winding up of companies, and for that purposes, the Official Receiver shall have the powers as a liquidator appointed by the Court. (4) The Minister may by order in writing provide for incidental, supplementary or consequential matters as he may consider necessary or expedient for the more effectual carrying out of the provisions of subsections (2) and (3). Repealed
Section 11Verify source
§ 12RepealedRepeal

This section is repealed.

12. [Repealed by Act No. 9 of 2019 s. 45.] Repealed
Section 12Verify source
§ 13RepealedRepeal

Section 13 is repealed.

13. [Repealed by Act No. 9 of 2019 s. 45.] [s. 10] [s. 11] [s. 12] Grounds for refusing registration Act No. 9 of 2019 s. 38
Section 13Verify source
§ 14Grounds for refusing registrationProvision

The Registrar must not register a society if satisfied it is tied to a political organisation or group established outside Mainland Tanzania.

14. The Registrar shall not register a society where he is satisfied that, the society is a branch of, or it is affiliated to or connected with any organisation or group of a political nature established outside Mainland Tanzania. [s. 13] 5 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE SOCIETIES ACT [CAP. 337 R.E. 2023] Registrar shall refuse to register or exempt in certain circumstances Act No. 9 of 2019 s. 38 and 46
Section 14Verify source
§ 15Registrar shall refuse to register or exempt in certain circumstancesProvision

The Registrar must not register a society if one of the listed refusal grounds is met.

15. The Registrar shall not register a society where he is satisfied that- (a) the society is being or is likely to be used for any purpose prejudicial to, or incompatible with the maintenance of peace, order, morality and good governance; (b) the application does not comply with the provisions of this Act or of any rules made thereunder; (c) the society does not exist; or (d) the name under which the society is to be registered- is identical to that of any other existing society; (i) (ii) nearly resembles the name of other society as, in the opinion of the Registrar, is likely to deceive the public or the members of either society; or (iii) is undesirable in the opinion of the Registrar. [s. 14] Method of effecting registration Act No. 9 of 2019 s. 38
Section 15Verify source
§ 16Method of effecting registrationRepeal

The Registrar must register a society by entering the application particulars and the date in the register. Any person may inspect the register during usual office hours if they apply to the Registrar and pay the prescribed fee.

16.–(1) The Registrar shall effect registration of a society by entering in a register the particulars given in the application form and the date of entry. (2) Subject to the payment of the prescribed fee, the register may be searched and examined by any person during the usual office hours on application being made to the Registrar. Repealed
Section 16Verify source
§ 17RepealedRepeal

This section has been repealed.

17. [Repealed by Act No. 9 of 2019 s. 47.] [s. 15] [s. 16] Cancellation of registration Act No. 9 of 2019 s. 38 and 48
Section 17Verify source
§ 18Cancellation of registrationProvision

The Registrar may cancel a society’s registration, but must first notify the society and let it explain why cancellation should not happen.

18. The Registrar may, in his discretion, cancel at any time the registration of a society registered under the provisions of this Act where he is satisfied that, it is expedient so to do on the ground that, the society concerned- (a) is a branch of or is affiliated to or connected with an organisation or group of a political nature established outside Mainland Tanzania; (b) is being used or is likely to be used for unlawful purposes or any purpose prejudicial to or incompatible 6 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE SOCIETIES ACT [CAP. 337 R.E. 2023] with the maintenance of peace, order, morality and good governance; (c) has altered its objects or pursues objects other than its declared objects; or (d) has failed to comply with an order made under section 23 within the time stated in that order: Provided that, prior to cancelling any registration, the Registrar shall notify his intention to the society concerned and give an opportunity to that society to submit reasons why the registration should not be cancelled. [s. 17] Prohibition of specified acts by or on behalf of certain society Ord. No. 22 of 1957 s. 6 Act No. 9 of 2019 s. 38
Section 18Verify source
§ 19Prohibition of specified acts by or on behalf of certain societyOffence

The Registrar may order people not to act for or in relation to certain societies, and breaches of such an order are offences.

19.–(1) Where a society has become unlawful under section 9 or been refused to be registered under section 14 or section 15 or its registration has been cancelled under section 18, the Registrar may, where it appears to be in the public interest to do so, by order prohibit any act of any person- (a) on behalf of or in relation to any society associated with the society; or (b) on behalf of or in relation to any society, which in the opinion of the Registrar, has objects similar to the objects of the society in the area of Mainland Tanzania being the area in which the society carried on or, as the case may be, proposed to carry on its activities, or in any part of the area. (2) A person who contravenes the provisions of an order made under 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) A police officer of or above the rank of Inspector may arrest without warrant a person whom he suspects upon reasonable grounds of having committed an offence against this section. (4) For purposes of this section, a society shall be deemed to be in association with a society which has become unlawful 7 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE SOCIETIES ACT [CAP. 337 R.E. 2023] or has been refused registration or its registration has been cancelled where the society is the parent society of which the society is a branch or derived from the same parent society or the successor of the society. (5) An order made under this section shall continue in force for a period not exceeding six months as may be specified therein: Provided that, this section shall not preclude the Registrar from making a further order or further orders, with or without variations, where it appears to be in the public interest to do so. [s. 18]
Section 19Verify source
§ 20AppealsProvision

A qualifying society may appeal to the Minister against the Registrar’s refusal to register it or cancel its registration, usually within 21 days, and the Minister’s decision is final.

20.–(1) A society other than a society in respect of which an order made or deemed to be made under sections 9,15 and 18, is aggrieved by the Registrar’s refusal to register the society or the decision to cancel the registration may appeal to the Minister against the refusal or decision within twenty-one days or extended period as the Minister may allow, from the date of the refusal or cancellation. (2) On any appeal, the decision of the Minister shall be final. [s. 19]
Section 20Verify source
§ 21Cessation of existence of societyProvision

If the Registrar thinks a registered society may have stopped existing, the Registrar may publish a Gazette notice and the society must provide proof of existence within three months.

21.–(1) Where the Registrar has reasons to believe that, a registered society has ceased to exist as a society, may publish in the Gazette a notification calling upon the society to furnish proof of its existence as a society within three months from the date of notification. (2) Where at the expiration of three months, the Registrar is satisfied that, the society has ceased to exist, a notification to that effect shall be published in the Gazette, and the society concerned shall thereupon cease to be registered. [s. 20] Appeals Ord. No. 22 of 1957 s. 7 GN. No. 478 of 1962 Act No. 9 of 2019 s. 38 and 49 Cessation of existence of society Act No. 9 of 2019 s. 38 and 50 Information to be furnished by registered society
Section 21Verify source
§ 2223. Registrar may call for audited accountsProvision

The Registrar may order a registered society to provide specified records and information in writing.

22.–(1) The Registrar may at any time, by notice under his hand, order a registered society to furnish in writing- (a) a true and complete copy of the constitution and rules in force of the society at the date of the order; 8 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE SOCIETIES ACT [CAP. 337 R.E. 2023] Registrar may call for audited accounts Ord. No. 22 of 1957 s. 8 (b) a true and complete list of office-bearers and members of the society residing in Mainland Tanzania or present at the date of the order; (c) a true and complete return of the number of meetings held by the society in Mainland Tanzania within the period of six months immediately preceding the order, stating the place or places at which the meetings were held; and (d) accounts, returns and other information as may be prescribed. (2) An order given under subsection (1) shall specify the time not being less than twenty-one days within which the information shall be supplied: Provided that, the Registrar may, on application showing good cause, grant an extension of time at his discretion. [s. 21]
Section 22Verify source
§ 23Registrar may call for audited accountsProvision

The Registrar may require a registered society to provide audited accounts or allow inspection of its accounts, and certain society officers must supply related information.

23.–(1) The Registrar may, at any time, by notice under his hand, order a registered society to furnish duly audited accounts of the society within a time to be stated in the order not being less than one month. (2) For purposes of this section, “duly audited” means audited by an auditor approved by the Registrar and the approval may be given either generally or for a particular audit. (3) Without prejudice to the provisions of subsections (1) and (2), the Registrar may at any time by notice under his hand, order a registered society, to permit its accounts to be inspected by himself or by a person authorised by him in writing, within a time to be stated in the order. (4) An office-bearer and a person managing or assisting in the management of a society in respect of which a notice under subsection (3) has been served shall supply to the Registrar or the person authorised by him, the information relating to the accounts of the society and other matters incidental thereto as the Registrar or the authorised person may require. 9 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE SOCIETIES ACT [CAP. 337 R.E. 2023] Persons responsible for supplying information Ord. No. 22 of 1957 s. 9 (5) When the inspection is undertaken by a person authorised by the Registrar, the person shall make a report of the inspection and submit to the Registrar with recommendations as he may deem fit to include. (6) Where the accounts of a society are inspected by a person authorised by the Registrar and the person is not in the employment of the Government, the person shall be paid a reasonable fee out of funds allocated for that purpose from the general revenue of Mainland Tanzania in respect of the inspection as the Registrar may allow. (7) A registered society which, on the ground of its failure to comply with an order under this section, has had its registration cancelled under section 18 shall not be entitled to apply for registration until the order has been complied with. [s. 22]
Section 23Verify source
§ 24Persons responsible for supplying informationProvision

A served office-bearer or manager/assistant manager must comply with a Registrar’s order; non-compliance or supplying materially incorrect/incomplete information can lead to a fine up to 2,000 shillings, unless the court accepts a due-diligence or good-faith mistake defence.

24.–(1) An order made by the Registrar in relation to a registered society under section 22 or section 23 shall be binding upon an office-bearer and a person managing or assisting in the management of the society in Mainland Tanzania who has been served with the order. (2) Where a registered society fails to comply with the whole or part of an order given under section 22 or section 23, the person mentioned in subsection (1) who has been served as aforementioned on conviction shall be liable to a fine not exceeding two thousand shillings unless he establishes to the satisfaction of the court that, he has exercised due diligence and failed to comply with the order for reasons beyond his control. (3) Where the information supplied to the Registrar in compliance with an order given under section 22, or any information supplied to the Registrar or the person authorised by him in compliance with an order given under section 23, is incorrect or incomplete in any material particular, the person who has supplied the information shall be liable on conviction, to a fine not exceeding two thousand shillings unless he 10 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE SOCIETIES ACT [CAP. 337 R.E. 2023] establishes to the satisfaction of the court that, he believed and had good reason to believe that, the information was correct and complete. [s. 23] Discretion to publish information for benefit of members Ord. No. 22 of 1957 s. 10
Section 24Verify source
§ 25Discretion to publish information for benefit of membersOffence

The Registrar may, with the Minister’s approval, publish information to society members if it is in their interest.

25. Where it appears to be in the interest of the members of the society so to do, the Registrar with the approval of the Minister may take steps as may be necessary to publish to the members, by advertisement in the Gazette, or in any newspaper or in other manner as he may think fit, any information furnished by or on behalf of the society or reported to the Registrar under section 22 or section 23. [s. 24] Offences by office-bearers, etc., of unlawful society Act No. 9 of 2019 s. 51 Cap. 20
Section 25Verify source
§ 26Offences by office-bearers, etc., of unlawful societyOffence

Office-bearers and people managing or assisting an unlawful society commit an offence and, on conviction, can be fined, imprisoned for up to 7 years, or both.

26.–(1) An office-bearer and a person managing or assisting in the management of any unlawful society commits an offence and on conviction, shall be liable to a fine not less than one million shillings but not exceeding ten million shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding seven years or to both. (2) Subject to the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Act, an offence under this section may be tried by a district court presided over by resident magistrate. [s. 25] Offences by member of unlawful society Act No. 9 of 2019 s. 52
Section 26Verify source
§ 27Offences by member of unlawful societyOffence

A person who is a member of, acts as a member of, or attends a meeting of an unlawful society commits an offence and may be fined, jailed for up to 3 years, or both.

27. A person who is or acts as a member of an unlawful society or attends a meeting of an unlawful society commits an offence and on conviction, shall be liable to a fine not less than two hundred thousand shillings but not exceeding two million shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or to both. [s. 26] Offence of allowing unlawful society on premises Acts Nos. 13 of 1991 Sch. 9 of 2019 s. 53
Section 27Verify source
§ 28Offence of allowing unlawful society on premisesRepeal

A person who knowingly allows an unlawful society meeting to be held on property he owns, occupies, or controls commits an offence and may be fined, imprisoned, or both.

28. A person who knowingly allows a meeting of an unlawful society or of members of an unlawful society to be held in any place belonging to or occupied by him, or over which he has control, commits an offence and on conviction, shall be liable to a fine not less than two hundred thousand shillings but not 11 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE SOCIETIES ACT [CAP. 337 R.E. 2023] exceeding two million shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or to both. Repealed
Section 28Verify source
§ 29RepealedRepeal

Section 29 is repealed.

29. [Repealed by Act No. 9 of 2019 s. 54.] [s. 27] [s. 28] Presumption of membership, etc., of society Orders for winding up affairs of unlawful society and distribution of surplus assets Act No. 16 of 1969 s. 2
Section 29Verify source
§ 30Presumption of membership, etc., of societyProvision

If a person is found with certain society-related items, the law presumes the person is a member of the society, that the society still exists, and that the person helps manage it, unless proven otherwise.

30.–(1) Where the books, accounts, writings, lists of members, seals, banners or insignia of, or relating to, or purporting to relate to any society are found in the possession of any person, it shall be presumed that, the person is a member of the society until the contrary is proved and the society shall be presumed to be in existence at the time the books, accounts, writings, lists of members, seals, banners or insignia were found, until the contrary is proved. (2) Where the books, accounts, writings, lists of members, seals, banners or insignia of, or relating to any society are found in the possession of any person, it shall be further presumed that, the person assists in the management of that society until the contrary is proved. [s. 29]
Section 30Verify source
§ 31Orders for winding up affairs of unlawful society and distributionCommencement

The Registrar may control how an unlawful society is wound up, including vesting property in an officer, approving or amending a surplus-assets scheme, and moving certain employees to a new body.

31.–(1) The Registrar may order that, the movable and immovable property of an unlawful society shall vest in an officer specified in the order and thereupon, the officer shall proceed to wind up the affairs of the society after satisfying and providing for debts and liabilities of the society and the costs of winding up and where there shall be any surplus assets, prepare and submit to the Registrar, a scheme for the application of surplus assets. (2) An order made under subsection (1) shall be registered by the officer concerned with the registration of the title to any immovable property affected by the order, without payment of any registration fee, and a stamp duty shall not be payable on that order. (3) A scheme submitted to the Registrar under subsection (1) may be amended by the Registrar in a way as he thinks 12 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE SOCIETIES ACT [CAP. 337 R.E. 2023] proper in the circumstances of the case and the approval of the Registrar shall be denoted by the endorsement thereon of a memorandum of approval and upon this being done, the surplus assets and the subject of the scheme shall be held by the officer upon the terms and purposes thereby prescribed. (4) For purposes of the winding-up of the affairs of a society, the officer specified in the order shall have the powers vested in the Official Receiver for the purpose of discovering the property of a debtor and the realisation thereof. (5) Notwithstanding the provisions of the foregoing subsections, the Registrar may- (a) prior to the completion of the winding-up of an unlawful society by the officer in whom the property of the society is vested by an order under subsection (1); or (b) after the completion of the winding-up by such officer, by order, vest any asset or liability of the unlawful society, or any of the surplus assets thereof, in any other society or body of persons, whether corporate or unincorporate, where, in the opinion of the Registrar, it is desirable to do so. (6) Where an order is made under subsection (5) vesting any asset, liability or surplus asset in any society or body of persons, the asset, liability or surplus asset shall vest in the society or body of persons, as the case may be, by virtue of the order and without further assurance with effect from the date and subject to terms and conditions as may be specified in the order. (7) Where an order under subsection (5) is made prior to completion of the winding-up of the unlawful society, the asset or liability in respect of which the order is made shall not be taken into account for the purposes of the winding-up of the unlawful society. (8) Where any asset of an unlawful society is vested in any society or body of persons, the Registrar may, by order, transfer any person who immediately prior to the commencement of the order made under subsection (1), was an employee of the unlawful society and his employment has not been terminated 13 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE SOCIETIES ACT [CAP. 337 R.E. 2023] Cap. 366 by the officer in whom the property of the unlawful society has been vested, to the service of the society or body of persons in whom the asset is vested by order made under subsection (5). (9) Where an employee is transferred under subsection (8)- (a) he shall, as from the date of his transfer, be deemed to be the employee of the society or body of persons to which he is transferred; (b) the terms and conditions of service applicable to him after the transfer shall not be less favourable than those which were applicable to him immediately before the transfer, and, for the purposes of determining any right to gratuity or other superannuation benefit, his service with the society or body of persons to which he is transferred shall be regarded as continuous with his service immediately preceding the transfer; and (c) his employment immediately prior to his transfer and employment by the society or body of persons to which he is transferred shall be deemed to be continuous employment by one employer within the meaning of the Employment and Labour Relations Act. (10) For the avoidance of doubt, it is hereby declared that, this section or this Act shall not be construed as conferring upon any member or past member any right to a refund of any fee, dues, subscription or other contribution paid or made by such member or past member to the unlawful society or as conferring upon any person a right to a refund or return of any gift made by him to the unlawful society. (11) The Registrar may, for the purpose of enabling a society to wind-up its own affairs, suspend the operation of any order made under subsection (1) for a period as shall seem expedient: Provided that, where the operation of any order made under subsection (1) is suspended, the suspension shall not affect the operation of any order made under subsection (5) or subsection (8). 14 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE SOCIETIES ACT [CAP. 337 R.E. 2023] Power to enter and search meeting places or business places Act No. 9 of 2019 s. 38 (12) The provisions of this section shall not apply to any property forfeited under section 36. [s. 30]
Section 31Verify source
§ 32Power to enter and search meeting places or business placesProvision

A judge or magistrate, or in some cases the Registrar, may authorise officials to enter and search society meeting or business places when there is sworn evidence or a reasonable belief of misuse.

32.–(1) Where, it is represented on oath or affidavit to a judge or magistrate that, in fact or according to reasonable suspicion a society whether a registered society or an exempted society or not, is being used or has been used or is about to be used for purposes prejudicial to or incompatible with the maintenance of peace, order, morality and good governance or that, a registered society or exempted society is being used or has been used or is about to be used for purposes at variance with its declared objects, the judge or magistrate may by warrant (called a search warrant) authorise the Registrar, an administrative officer or police officer, not below the rank of Assistant-Inspector to enter, with or without assistance and using force for that purpose where necessary, into any place which is represented to be or to have been used or to be about to be used as a place of meeting or place of business of the society and search the place and any person found therein or escaping therefrom for evidence that, the society is being used for the purposes aforesaid. (2) The Registrar may, by order declare that, the provisions of this section shall apply to any area of Mainland Tanzania and in any area to which this section has been applied and it shall be lawful for the Registrar or an administrative officer or a police officer not below the rank of Assistant Superintendent who has reason to believe that, any society, whether a registered society or an exempted society or not, is being used or has been used or is about to be used for purposes prejudicial to, or incompatible with the maintenance, of peace, order, morality and good government or that any registered society or exempted society is being used or has been used or is about to be used for purposes at variance with its declared objects, to enter, with or without assistance and using force for that purpose where necessary, into any place which he has reason to believe is used 15 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE SOCIETIES ACT [CAP. 337 R.E. 2023] Power to enter and search meeting places, etc., and make arrests and seizures or has been used or is about to be used as the place of meeting or place of business of the society and search the place and any person found therein or escaping therefrom for evidence that, the society is being used for purposes aforesaid. [s. 31]
Section 32Verify source
§ 33Power to enter and search meeting places, etc., and make arrests and seizuresProvision

A judge or magistrate may issue a search warrant to let specified officials enter, search, seize items, and arrest people connected with an unlawful society. The Registrar may also declare the section applicable to areas of Mainland Tanzania.

33.–(1) Where it is represented on oath or affidavit to a judge or magistrate that in fact or according to reasonable suspicion any place is or is about to be used as a place of meeting of an unlawful society or of persons who are members of an unlawful society or for the concealment, custody or deposit of any books, accounts, writings, lists of members, banners, seals, insignia, arms or other articles belonging to an unlawful society, such judge or magistrate may by warrant (called a search warrant) authorise the Registrar, an administrative officer or any police officer, not below the rank of Assistant-Inspector, to enter with or without assistance and using force for that purpose where necessary, into and search such place and seize or cause to be seized all books, accounts, writings, lists of members, banners, seals, insignia, arms or other articles which he has reasonable cause to believe belong to any unlawful society or to be in any way connected therewith and to arrest or cause to be arrested any person found in such place or escaping therefrom. (2) The Registar may, by order declare that, the provisions of this section shall apply to any area of Mainland Tanzania and in any area to which this section has been so applied it shall be lawful for the Registrar or an administrative officer or a police officer not below the rank of Assistant-Inspector to enter, with or without assistance and using force where necessary, into any place in which he may have reasonable grounds to believe that a meeting of an unlawful society or of persons who are members of an unlawful society is being held or that books, accounts, writings, lists of members, banners, seals, insignia, arms or other articles belonging to an unlawful society are concealed, kept or deposited and to arrest or cause to be arrested all persons found in or escaping from 16 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE SOCIETIES ACT [CAP. 337 R.E. 2023] Power of Registrar to summon witnesses Act No. 13 of 1991 Sch. such place and seize or cause to be seized all books, accounts, writings, lists of members, banners, seals, insignia, arms or other articles which he may have reasonable cause to believe belong to any unlawful society or to be in any way connected therewith. [s. 32]
Section 33Verify source
§ 34Power of Registrar to summon witnessesOffence

The Registrar may summon a person in writing to give information about certain societies, and the person must attend, produce related documents, and answer truthfully.

34.–(1) The Registrar may, in writing, summon before him any person who he believes is able to give any information as to the existence or operations of any unlawful society, or suspected unlawful society, or as to the operations of any registered society or exempted society. (2) The person summoned shall attend at the hour and place as specified in the summons and produce the documents in his custody, possession, or power relating to the society or suspected society, and answer truthfully the questions which the Registrar may put to him. (3) A person who fails to comply with the provisions of subsection (2) commits an offence and on conviction, shall be liable to a fine not exceeding five thousand shillings. (4) Where a person summoned by the Registrar under this section fail without lawful excuse to comply with any obligations imposed upon him by subsection (2) or give information which the Registrar believes to be false, the Registrar may, if he considers it advisable to provide for the future identification of such person, order that, a photograph and impressions of fingerprints of the person be taken at the time, place and manner as the officer may think fit. (5) A person who refuses to comply with an order under subsection (4) or who obstructs compliance with the order, commits an offence and may be arrested and detained in custody and on conviction, shall be liable to a fine not exceeding twenty thousand shillings. (6) Statement made by a person summoned before the Registrar under the provisions of this section shall not subject him to any arrest or criminal prosecution, or be proved against 17 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE SOCIETIES ACT [CAP. 337 R.E. 2023] Consent to prosecute GN. No. 236 of 1961 Forfeiture Registered office Act No. 13 of 1991 Sch. him in any criminal proceedings except in prosecution for failing to answer truthfully under this section. [s. 33]
Section 34Verify source
§ 35Consent to prosecuteOffence

A person cannot be charged with an offence under this Act or its rules unless the Director of Public Prosecutions has given prior written consent, except for people arrested under section 33 or section 34(5).

35. Except in the case of persons arrested under the provisions of section 33 or subsection (5) of section 34, a person shall not be charged with an offence under this Act or any rule made thereunder unless the prior consent in writing of the Director of Public Prosecutions has been obtained. [s. 34]
Section 35Verify source
§ 36ForfeitureProvision

Property belonging to an unlawful society is forfeited and given to the Registrar, who may dispose of it as he sees fit.

36. The books, accounts, writings, banners, insignia, or other property belonging to any unlawful society shall be forfeited and given to the Registrar for disposal in a manner as he may deem fit. [s. 35]
Section 36Verify source
§ 37Registered officeOffence

A registered society must have a registered office and postal address, and notice of the office’s location or any change must be given to the Registrar and registered.

37.–(1) A registered society shall have a registered office and postal address to which communications and notices may be addressed. (2) Notice of the situation of the registered office and any change thereof or postal address shall be given to the Registrar and registered by him. (3) Where a registered society and an office-bearer- (a) operates without having a registered office, or without giving notice of the situation of its registered office as herein before required; (b) operates at any place to which its registered office may have been removed without having given notice of the change in the situation thereof to the Registrar; or (c) fails to give notice of any change of its postal address, commits an offence and on conviction, shall be liable to a fine not exceeding one hundred thousand shillings and four thousand shillings for every day during which the society continues to operate. [s. 36] 18 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE SOCIETIES ACT [CAP. 337 R.E. 2023] Service of summons, etc. Rules Ord. No. 22 of 1957 s. 11
Section 37Verify source
§ 38Service of summons, etcProvision

Documents under this Act are treated as validly served if personally delivered, left with the addressee, or sent by prepaid registered post to the registered office of the relevant society; service on a society may also be made by prepaid registered post to its registered office.

38.–(1) An order, notice, summons or other document issued under this Act shall be deemed to have been validly and effectually served on the person to whom it is addressed where it is personally served on him, or is left with him, or is sent to him by prepaid registered post addressed to him at the registered office of the society with which he is concerned. (2) The order, notice or other document issued under this Act shall be deemed to have been validly served on a society if it is sent by prepaid registered post addressed to the society at its registered office. (3) A document served by being sent by registered post shall be deemed to have reached the person or society to whom or to which it is addressed within ninety-six hours of posting. [s. 37]
Section 38Verify source
§ 39RulesOffence

The Registrar may make rules for carrying out this Act and may set penalties for breaches of those rules.

39.–(1) The Registrar may make rules generally for the better carrying into effect of the provisions of this Act. (2) Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, the Registrar may make rules for the purpose of the following: (a) prescribing the manner of exemption and registration of societies under this Act; (b) regulating or restricting changes of the name or objects of exempted societies or of registered societies; (c) prescribing the forms which may be used for carrying out the provisions of this Act; (d) for securing the submission to the Registrar of accounts relating to the assets and liabilities, income and expenditure, of registered societies, in such form and at such time or times and in respect of such period or periods as may be prescribed; (e) prescribing the fees in respect of anything to be done under this Act; (f) securing the submission to the Registrar of annual or other periodical returns relating to the constitution, objects, membership and management of exempted or registered societies in such form as may be prescribed; 19 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE SOCIETIES ACT [CAP. 337 R.E. 2023] (g) prescribing the books and accounts to be kept by a registered society and any other matter which may or is to be prescribed under this Act. (3) The Registrar may, in rules made under this section, prescribe for a breach thereof a fine not exceeding five thousand shillings or imprisonment not exceeding six months or to both and for a continuing breach thereof a fine not exceeding one hundred shillings in respect of each day on which such breach continues. (4) The Registrar may, in rules made in respect of any of the matters set out in paragraphs (d), (f) and (g) of subsection (1) of this section- (a) provide that the rules shall be applicable only to the class or classes of societies as may be specified in such rules; and (b) make different rules in relation to different classes of societies. Omitted 40-41. [Omitted.] [s. 38] [s. 39-40] 20 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.
Section 39Verify source

Legislative relationships

6 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.

A–F

3 instruments

  • Criminal Procedure Act

    Section 26

  • Deputy Registrars and Assistant Registrars of Societies as he may consider necessary for purposes of this Act

    Section 6

  • Employment and Labour Relations Act

    Section 31

G–M

1 instrument

  • Minister to extend time Act

    Section 4

N–S

1 instrument

  • Registrar to summon witnesses Act

    Section 33

T–Z

1 instrument

  • Tanzania Act

    Section 2

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