Entries by fbadmin1

Biometric data collection at work 

I work for a company in Dar es Salaam, and recently, management introduced a new system that requires us to clock in using face recognition and fingerprint scanning. They explained that it’s meant to monitor attendance more accurately and reduce cases of absenteeism. But I feel uneasy and do not think this is necessary. I […]

Landlord demanding repairs

I am renting an apartment in Morogoro Town. Our neighbourhood has been constantly flooded during the recent rains and a lot of the infrastructure in my apartment is now damaged. I have considered ending my lease and moving to another area. Last week, I notified my landlord of my intention to end the lease, but […]

Fortress wall in residential neighbourhood

My neighbour has built a huge wall around his property. It is so high and solid that it looks like a fortress. We can’t see inside at all, and it feels intimidating. I’m worried about safety and whether this is even allowed. Can someone just build such a wall? I am concerned about illegitimate activities […]

Q&A – 23 February 2026

Taking wife’s surname I married into a prominent family, and wish to take my wife’s surname instead of keeping mine. I have never seen men adopt their wives’ names. I wonder if this is because the law prohibits it. Please enlighten me. CS, Tanga A man can legally take his wife’s surname, but not automatically […]

Arbitration where contract is invalid

We are a hospital based in Dodoma and entered into a contract with another hospital based in a foreign country to supply cadavers for educational purposes. The contract contained an arbitration clause under which we agreed to resolve disputes by arbitration. The Contract was also governed by Tanzanian law, something which our counterparts agreed to.  […]

Imposition of Interest on tax

Our Company received a notice of assessment on interest from the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA). We assume this is an error because our Company had already been assessed for interest in another assessment on corporate income tax issued on the same date and in respect of the same year of income. We think the imposition of double […]

Taking wife’s surname

I married into a prominent family, and wish to take my wife’s surname instead of keeping mine. I have never seen men adopt their wives’ names. I wonder if this is because the law prohibits it. Please enlighten me. CS, Tanga A man can legally take his wife’s surname, but not automatically through marriage. Unlike […]

Q&A – 16 February 2026

Neighbourhood noise pollution A retired jazz musician moved into our peaceful neighbourhood. However, peace and tranquillity were soon disrupted when he began hosting loud weekly jam sessions. Over time, these sessions grew louder and lasted longer and longer. The session starts with a loud proclamation that ‘music is life, ‘ and then lasts for hours. […]

Money laundering allegations

I work as a mid-level manager in a local financial institution. Recently, I was shocked to learn that one of my colleagues has been accused of facilitating money laundering through our branch. The authorities have launched an investigation on me because I supervised some of his transactions. I have never knowingly engaged in illegal activity. […]

Neighbourhood noise pollution

A retired jazz musician moved into our peaceful neighbourhood. However, peace and tranquillity were soon disrupted when he began hosting loud weekly jam sessions. Over time, these sessions grew louder and lasted longer and longer. The session starts with a loud proclamation that ‘music is life, ‘ and then lasts for hours. The noise interference […]

Q&A – 9 February 2026

Nanny’s privacy at work I work as a nanny in a family’s home in Dar es Salaam. Recently, I discovered my employer had installed hidden cameras to monitor me without telling me. I felt violated, as I never consented to being recorded. Things became worse when they confronted me with footage showing that I was […]

Nanny’s privacy at work

I work as a nanny in a family’s home in Dar es Salaam. Recently, I discovered my employer had installed hidden cameras to monitor me without telling me. I felt violated, as I never consented to being recorded. Things became worse when they confronted me with footage showing that I was neglecting some of my […]

Parents dictating career paths

I am a Form Four graduate from Dodoma. I passed my O-level with excellent results, earning a division one with A’s in all subjects. With these results, I have the freedom to select any combination of A-levels and choose a career that truly matters to me. The problem is my parents insist I must study […]

Q&A – 2 February 2026

Suing for dinner date I went on a date with a man I met on a dating app, but I brought my friends along for security. After all, I was afraid of being kidnapped by a stranger I had only met online. During dinner at a popular restaurant, he seemed distracted, checking his phone frequently. […]

Possession of unexplained property 

My uncle, who is a primary school teacher at a government-owned school, is being prosecuted for possession of unexplained property under the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Act. The Court is demanding that he explain his wealth, as it does not align with his current position. He insists he is innocent. I wonder how this […]

Suing for dinner date

I went on a date with a man I met on a dating app, but I brought my friends along for security. After all, I was afraid of being kidnapped by a stranger I had only met online. During dinner at a popular restaurant, he seemed distracted, checking his phone frequently. When the bill arrived, […]

Bank reports in newspapers

I often see banks publishing reports in newspapers and wonder why banks are making their affairs public. Isn’t this private information? Moreover, should banks not send these directly to their customers? Why should ordinary people care about these reports? Please enlighten me. GS, Arusha Banks are legally obliged to publish certain financial information to promote […]

Q&A – 26 January 2026

Prosecuted for collecting rainwater I recently read about a man in another country who  was prosecuted for collecting rainwater on his property. It shocked me because I always thought rainwater was free for everyone. Water scarcity is common in Dar es Salaam. To cope with scarcity, I have installed a system to collect rainwater for […]

Plant breeders’ rights

I am a farmer and amateur plant breeder. I developed a new variety of maize that is more resistant to drought. I heard that in some countries, breeders can get legal rights over their plant varieties. I want to know if Tanzania has such a law. Can I protect my new maize variety here? Please […]

Prosecuted for collecting rainwater

I recently read about a man in another country who  was prosecuted for collecting rainwater on his property. It shocked me because I always thought rainwater was free for everyone. Water scarcity is common in Dar es Salaam. To cope with scarcity, I have installed a system to collect rainwater for household use, though I […]

Electronic signature

I signed a contract electronically using a digital platform while working with a company abroad. Later, someone told me that electronic signatures are not legally binding in Tanzania. This worries me because I want to use electronic signatures for business deals. Are electronic signatures recognised under Tanzanian law?” Enlighten me, please. TK, Arusha This is […]

Q&A – 19 January 2026

Wedding dress dispute I recently attended a wedding in Morogoro that turned chaotic. The bride had ordered a custom wedding dress from a local vendor. She paid half the agreed price upfront, promising to settle the balance before the wedding ceremony. On the wedding day, just as the bride was walking down the aisle, the […]