Inheritance disputes top Judiciary service centre complaints list

DODOMA: THE Judiciary Customer Service Centre has received a total of 1,124 inheritance related complaints over the past three years, with primary concerns surrounding delays in the disbursement of inheritances and the unfair treatment of widows and children born out of wedlock.

According to the centre, which marked the third-anniversary on Friday in Dodoma, in addition to inheritance complaints, the centre has recorded 6,948 feedback cases during the same period, encompassing complaints, suggestions, inquiries and commendations.

Established on March 1, 2022, the centre’s mission is to enhance public trust, foster stakeholder engagement and promote transparency in judicial services.

Speaking at the event, Chief Court Administrator Professor Elisante Ole Gabriel commended the centre for its vital role in bridging the gap between the Judiciary and the public.

“Let us continue working tirelessly to serve the people. The better we perform, the stronger the public’s trust in the Judiciary will be,” Prof Gabriel said.

He stressed on the importance of incorporating modern technology in service delivery, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and chatbots, to improve efficiency.

Prof Gabriel also proposed the creation of a Judiciary International Centre (JICS) to address work-related challenges faced by Judiciary staff.

“By improving internal staff welfare, we can enhance the quality of service provided to the public,” he added. Senior Resident Magistrate and Technical Supervisor, Mr Domican Mlashani, referred to the centre as the Judiciary’s “eyes and ears,” acting as a vital link between the courts and the public.

ALSO READ: Govt to transfer land councils service to judiciary system

“Many citizens were previously unfamiliar with judicial procedures, but now, through this centre, they can easily obtain relevant legal information,” he explained.

Mr Mlashani also highlighted that a significant number of cases handled by the centre involve widows being denied their rightful inheritance by male relatives.

Meanwhile, Deputy Registrar and Director of Judicial Service Oversight and Public Feedback, Mr Maira Kasonde, shared that the centre’s efficiency in handling public complaints has significantly improved, with the resolution rate rising to 99.7 per cent in 2025, up from 96 per cent in 2024.

He attributed the success to the centre’s responsive approach, which includes providing guidance on legal procedures and resolving complaints promptly.

“Currently, the centre receives an average of 150 calls per day, translating to approximately 4,500 calls per month,” Mr Kasonde said.

“The facility is also capable of serving over 30 clients simultaneously.”