Tanzania
restricting public officers from revealing some information to the
public (Public Service Act of 1962). However the Act is currently under review with the aim of introducing a new piece of legislation on
access to information. This new legislation is expected to address
shortcomings found in the Public Leadership Code of 1985 regarding
information about properties to be declared by leaders. Restrictions which presently do not allow District Police Commanders to
provide information and regulations for the private sector will also
be covered.
SCORES:
Individual scores:

1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 2, 1, 1, 1, 1

Average score:

1.1

1.7

Civil society in general and media lobby groups actively
advance the cause of media freedom.

ANALYSIS:
Tanzania is rich in civil society and media lobby groups and there is
no doubt that they are very active in advancing their cause. Some
of the major media lobby groups are MISA-Tanzania Chapter, Press
Union, Media Council, TAMWA, JET, JM, TUJ, JAZZ etc. It is believed
that there are over 8,000 registered civil society groups in the country.
Some of the recent activities carried out by these lobby groups are:
Advocacy for a new media, information and broadcasting policy and
a push for the reform of existing media legislation, especially the 6
laws that have been identified as infringing upon media freedom in
the country.
Overall, civil society activities in Tanzania were regarded as erratic
with groups vying for attention depending on issues of the day (esAfrican Media Barometer - Tanzania 2006

9

Select target paragraph3