DISCOVER
The Constitution of Tanzania
The Constitution is the supreme law that guides our nation, protects our rights and defines how the Union works every day.
"
Muungano una nguvu pale ambapo wananchi wanauelewa.
— Wisdom of the Nation
The Constitution is the supreme law of Tanzania. It sets the foundation for how the nation is governed, defines the separation of powers, and outlines the rights and duties of every citizen. For the Union, it explains how power is shared between the Union Government and the Zanzibar Revolutionary Government.
What does the Constitution cover?
Structure of Government
Defines the roles of the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary.
Rights of Citizens
Guarantees fundamental human rights and freedoms for all Tanzanians.
Union Matters
Lists the 22 matters governed jointly by the Union Government.
Zanzibar Autonomy
Protects Zanzibar's authority over non-Union matters.
The 22 Union Matters
As listed in the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution
1. The Constitution & Union Government
2. Foreign Affairs
3. Defence & Security
4. Police
5. Emergency Powers
6. Citizenship
7. Immigration
8. External Borrowing & Trade
9. Civil Service (Union)
10. Income Tax, Customs & Excise Duty
11. Ports, Aviation, Posts & Telecoms
12. Currency, Banking & Foreign Exchange
13. Industrial Licensing & Statistics
14. Higher Education
15. Oil & Natural Gas
16. NECTA (National Examinations)
17. Air Transport
18. Research
19. Meteorology
20. Statistics
21. The Court of Appeal
22. Registration of Political Parties
Structure of the Union Government
Executive
The President of Tanzania is Head of State and Head of Government. The Cabinet assists in governance.
Legislature
The National Assembly (Parliament) makes laws and represents the people of Tanzania.
Judiciary
Courts interpret and apply the law, protecting the rights of citizens.
Fundamental Rights & Freedoms
Every Tanzanian is entitled to:
- ✓Right to life
- ✓Right to dignity and personal freedom
- ✓Freedom of expression and opinion
- ✓Freedom of religion
- ✓Right to education
- ✓Right to work
- ✓Right to own property
- ✓Right to a fair trial
- ✓Freedom of movement
- ✓Right to participate in national affairs
💡Did You Know?
- Tanzania's current Constitution was adopted in 1977 and has been amended several times.
- The Constitution lists 22 Union Matters governed jointly by the Union Government.
- Zanzibar has its own Constitution that governs non-Union matters within the islands.
- Every citizen has a duty to know and understand the Constitution.