DEPUTY Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Dr. Doto Biteko has directed the Rural Energy Agency (REA) to provide a subsidy to the Tanzania Prisons Service to implement the government's directive on the use of clean cooking energy and ensure that all correctional facilities move away from using dirty energy.

Dr. Biteko made the directive in Dar es Salaam at the weekend during the closing ceremony of the Senior Leadership Training Level 27 - 2024/2025 at the Tanzania Correctional Service Training Academy (TCTA).

“All 129 prisons have transitioned from using firewood and now use clean cooking energy. I direct REA to prioritise the subsidy we plan to provide to various producers of clean cooking energy equipment for the prisons,” he said.

He congratulated the graduates of the Senior Leadership Training Level 27 - 2024/2025, stating that it is the government's expectation to see them become catalysts for change in their work performance and strengthen unity within the Prisons Service.

 “The head of the academy has confirmed that you have done well in your training. You have met the criteria for promotion by the relevant authorities to the assistant prison officers. Congratulations on this significant step. Along with the congratulations, I want to remind you that promotion comes with added responsibilities,” he said.

 In addition, he urged the graduates to listen to and treat fairly the officers under their command while holding lazy officers accountable and motivating the hardworking ones.

 Dr. Biteko encouraged the graduates to continue their education and work diligently to make the Prisons Service a model and provide excellent service to Tanzanians to meet the government's expectations.

 “I call upon the Commissioner of the Prisons Service, continue to unite and bring together the officers. The government recognises the work you are doing and your contribution to the nation. The government acknowledges the contribution of this academy to all the officers,” he said.

 Speaking about Criminal Justice, Dr. Biteko said: “I urge the leadership of the Prisons Service to continue efforts to improve work performance within the service in various areas and implement the recommendations of the President’s Commission on Criminal Justice to ensure the Prisons Service keeps pace with changes in science and technology. The government will continue to address the existing challenges step by step as circumstances allow.”

Deputy Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Security, Vicent Mbogo, praised the government for providing significant funds to improve performance of security agencies, including the Prisons Service. 

He also commended the Prisons Service for its innovative approach in sending prisoners to the Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA) where they acquire various skills.

Jeremiah Katungu, Prisons Service Commissioner General stated that the situation in the prisons across the country is stable and that the service continues to implement the recommendations of the criminal justice commission.

He mentioned that 66 prisons now have internet-based court services and that they have already received 668.8m/- for building network in all of the country's prisons to ensure timely access to justice.

 Head of the Tanzania Correctional Service Training Academy (TCTA), SACP Wilnton Kahumuza, stated that the Senior Leadership Training Level 27 began on November 30, 2024 with 203 students.

He further said the training aimed to equip the students with various skills to bring efficiency in the implementation of various tasks within the Prisons Service as required by law.