Pregnant wife, child not mine

I do not know where to begin. I used to live in Dar es Salaam but moved to Dodoma following the Government shift to the Capital. My wife remained in Dar. I recently discovered that she is pregnant, but I suspect the child is not mine since her due date does not align with the number of times we saw each other. I am at a crossroads. What are the legal options for confirming the child is mine? Please help me.
PS, Dodoma

This is a deeply challenging and emotional situation. You may apply to a Court for an order to confirm the parentage of a child. According to sections 34, 35, and 36 of the Law of the Child Act [Cap. 13 R.E 2019] read together, parentage may be proved through various means including DNA results, existence of a marriage, birth certificate, to name a few. However, a medical test will only be ordered by the Courts where other evidence of parentage needs corroboration or is insufficient. Since you are married to the mother of this unborn child, you are presumed to be the biological father unless paternity is contested. Note that upon making an application for proof of parentage, the Court will consider various factors, including the best interests of the child, when making its decisions about the order for a DNA test. Kindly note that the DNA test in Tanzania is not automatic and must be Court sanctioned.

We understand that suspecting that your wife is pregnant with another man’s child is a complex and emotional situation. Friends and family can help you navigate the emotional aspects of this situation. Also, seeking professional guidance can help you make informed decisions. Your lawyer can guide you further.

Body shaming

I was travelling on a flight operated by an airline in Tanzania. During the flight, a crew member made derogatory comments about my body size, which is admittedly big, causing me significant distress. The crew member even moved me from the emergency seat, citing airline safety procedures. I felt humiliated but complied with the request and decided to move. Nonetheless, I think this was inappropriate and unfair. I specifically selected the emergency exit seat to have more legroom, only to be humiliated. What action can I take against the airline operator? Please guide me.
PS, Kilimanjaro

We are truly sorry to hear that you were treated this way. However, our review of aviation laws and guidelines worldwide indicates that there are specific rules regarding who may sit in emergency exit seats. In Tanzania, the Civil Aviation (Operation of Aircraft) Regulations, 2017 stipulate that only individuals capable of opening the emergency exits should be seated near these exits.

Emergency exit seats are typically reserved for passengers who can physically assist in an emergency evacuation, which generally means they must meet certain age, health, and physical ability criteria. If you were removed from an emergency exit seat due to your body size, it may have been for safety reasons. Nonetheless, it’s important to understand that airlines should manage such situations with sensitivity and respect. The Civil Aviation Act, Cap. 80 [R.E 2020] mandates airline operators to provide customers with the utmost care in their operations. If you believe you were treated unfairly, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the airline and the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA). Please consult your lawyer for further guidance on how to file a complaint.

Arms on street

Last week, I decided to stroll around the neighbourhood while openly carrying a legally owned and registered firearm. I wandered about and eventually entered a bar for some refreshments. Many people noticed my gun, which filled me with pride. However, I was later asked to leave the bar because some customers felt uncomfortable with my presence. I refused to go since I possess the necessary licences and permits for carrying a firearm. In the end, a dispute arose with the staff until a bouncer was called to remove me. I can’t understand what I did wrong. Why did they treat me this way? Kindly guide.
SK, Kigoma

Based on what you said, the issue was openly carrying a firearm. From what you have stated, you seem to be an ordinary civilian who has been cleared to possess a firearm. A civilian may possess a firearm provided he/she meets the requirements set by law. However, a civilian cannot walk in public with a firearm, even with a license permit.

The Fire Arms and Ammunition Control Act, 2015 and Firearms and Ammunition Control Regulations, 2016, provide that a person lawfully possessing a firearm is responsible for the custody, safety, and conditions in which the firearm will be kept. This includes ensuring that he/she does not publicly display the firearm. Failure to fulfil this responsibility is an offence which is punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both. The fact that you were openly carrying the firearm is not only wrong but also dangerous. Your lawyer may guide you further.

Goats crossed fence

My neighbour’s goats keep sneaking into my garden and munching on my vegetables. The other day, they devoured all my cabbages. I asked the owner to compensate me for the damages, but he claimed my fence was so weak that even a toddler could knock it over.  How can he not see that the goats eating my vegetables is his fault? I do not get it. Who is responsible for this? I feel like munching his goats. Please enlighten me.
SD, Kilimanjaro

We cannot guide you on whether or not to munch your neighbour’s goats!

Livestock owners are usually liable for damages caused by their animal’s trespassing on other people’s properties. From what you said, your neighbour is clearly at fault for failing to control his goats. However, your weak fence could be considered contributory negligence. Courts will often balance the blame in such cases, especially if the damaged party could have reasonably prevented the incident. We advise you to also consider strengthening that fence to prevent the goats from crossing over. In the meantime, if your neighbour continues to refuse compensation, you can report the matter to your local government officials. They can help mediate disputes between neighbours without dragging the issue into a full-blown court case. If this fails, consult your lawyer on the necessary steps to institute a suit. Good luck.