Wife talks too much

My wife talks too much. Even when we are watching television, she keeps talking without getting tired. Sometimes I just want to enjoy the programme in peace, but she continues talking until I no longer know whether I am watching the television or listening to her. I had viewed this habit positively before our marriage and that perhaps she was just talkative and charming. However, as days go on, it is becoming annoying and intolerable. Can I file for a divorce?

BM, Mwanza

We are sorry to hear about your story. We understand that marriage requires patience, but your situation may be testing that patience. In Tanzania, divorce is governed by the Law of Marriage Act, Cap. 29 [R.E. 2023] (the Act). Under section 107 of the Act, a Court may grant divorce where it is satisfied that the marriage has broken down irreparably. In determining whether a marriage has broken down irreparably, the Court considers the circumstances of each case, including matters such as adultery, cruelty, desertion and other conducts that may demonstrate that the spouses can no longer reasonably live together as husband and wife. In our opinion, we don’t see ‘talking too much’ as a circumstance which can evidence that the marriage has broken down irreparably.

Therefore, the fact that your wife talks throughout your favourite television programme, although clearly is a serious test of your patience, would not by itself be sufficient evidence that the marriage has broken down irreparably. In our view, before rushing to Court, you may wish to consider some less drastic solutions. For example, you could politely ask her to give you a few minutes of silence during the programme. A more unilateral tactic, you can resort to increasing the volume of the television, so you do not hear what she is saying and that could be indirectly sending a message that you are not happy. You can think of others. We wish you all the best.

Neighbour’s house affecting my privacy

I recently watched a video on social media of a Maasai man complaining to the Regional Commissioner (RC) about his neighbour who built a three-storey house next to his home. His main concern was that the neighbour could now look directly into his compound, making his family uncomfortable and affecting their privacy. Besides, his children started asking him to build them a similar house. Unfortunately, his pockets were not prepared for such a request. This has made me wonder, can I legally complain about my neighbour’s breach of my right to privacy? And is there anything the law can do about children’s architectural ambitions because of their neighbour?

MM, Babati

Your question is quite intriguing because the law may be able to help with the first problem, but unfortunately it may have little to say about the second one. Generally, a person is entitled to develop and use their land, provided that the development complies with the applicable planning, building and land laws and does not unlawfully interfere with the rights of neighbouring landowners. The fact that a neighbour has constructed a three-storey building does not, by itself, make the construction illegal merely because it is taller than the neighbouring house.

However, the position may be different where the construction creates an unlawful nuisance or unreasonably interferes with a neighbour’s enjoyment of their property. Issues such as overlooking, excessive disturbance, obstruction and other forms of interference may, depending on the circumstances, give rise to a legal complaint. If you are concerned that the building was constructed without the necessary approvals or contrary to planning or building requirements, you may also raise the matter with the relevant local authority so that the development can be inspected and its compliance verified. Regarding privacy concern, simply being able to see a neighbouring property from a higher building will not necessarily make the construction unlawful. The circumstances, the design of the building, applicable planning requirements and the nature and extent of the interference would all need to be considered.

Unfortunately, we cannot think of any legal remedy for your children’s request. It is something you may have to deal with at the family meeting rather than the RC’s office. For example, you may simply ask them to contribute to the construction costs at which point they may suddenly become very comfortable with the existing house!

Displaying tax certificates on social media

I have been selling clothes through Instagram and TikTok for the past two years. Recently, I heard that the Government has introduced a new requirement for people conducting business through social media to display their TIN certificate or Tax Clearance Certificate on their social media accounts. I am concerned because this means that my tax information will be visible to anyone who visits my page. Is this really a legal requirement? What happens if I fail to comply?

AB, Dar es Salaam

The Tax Administration (General) (Amendment) Regulations, 2026, which came into operation on 1 July 2026, require persons conducting business through social media to display their TIN certificate, TIN number or Tax Clearance Certificate on their social media profile or account in a manner that is easily visible. The requirement applies to persons using social media platforms such as Instagram to conduct business. It was introduced to facilitate tax inspection and enforcement and ensure compliance with tax obligations.

Interestingly, the Regulations do not prescribe a specific penalty for failing to display the required tax information. However, section 93 of the Tax Administration Act provides a general offence for failure to comply with a provision of a tax law. Depending on the circumstances, a person may be liable, upon conviction, to a fine of between 10 and 20 currency points. Where the failure results, or if undetected may have resulted, in an underpayment of tax exceeding 50 currency points, the penalty may be between 20 and 50 currency points, imprisonment for up to six months, or both. A currency point is currently equivalent to TZS 20,000. Therefore, if you use social media to conduct business, you should review your account and ensure that the required tax information is clearly displayed.