On 23 February 2026, ESS Creative and Legal Foundation was invited to Dodoma by the Ministry of Constitutional and Legal Affairs for a strategic engagement on advancing Alternative Dispute Resolution in Tanzania.
The meeting was convened by ADR Unit under the leadership of Mr. Felix Chakila, Assistant Director of Public Legal Service and Head of the ADR Unit. The discussion focused on strengthening collaboration between public institutions and civil society in promoting accessible, efficient, and inclusive dispute resolution mechanisms.
Broad Institutional Participation
The engagement brought together ESS board members and representatives from the Ministry, including State Attorneys, officials from the Policy and Planning Department, and a Ministry expert on persons with disabilities. The diversity of participants ensured that legal, policy, and inclusion perspectives were fully represented in the dialogue.
During the meeting, ESS had the opportunity to formally submit the 2024 to 2025 ESS Progress Report to Mr. Chakila. The report outlines the Foundation’s work in mediation training, community engagement, and policy advocacy, with a particular focus on strengthening inclusive approaches in dispute resolution.
Commitment to Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities
A key outcome of the discussion was the Ministry’s strong interest in ensuring that persons with disabilities are meaningfully included in ADR initiatives. This commitment aligns with ESS’s ongoing efforts to promote inclusive mediation practices at the community level.
The Ministry emphasized the importance of designing ADR processes that are physically accessible, procedurally fair, and responsive to the needs of vulnerable groups. The presence of a Ministry expert on disability issues enriched the discussion and helped identify practical areas for collaboration.
Strategic Coordination and Future Collaboration
In conclusion, the Ministry committed to coordinating and providing strategic guidance in support of ESS’s work to empower community leaders in inclusive mediation. This partnership marks an important step toward institutionalizing inclusive ADR practices across Tanzania.
ESS Creative and Legal Foundation remains committed to working closely with government institutions, legal professionals, and community stakeholders to ensure that Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms are accessible to all, including persons with disabilities.
We look forward to continued collaboration with the Ministry as we advance the shared goal of strengthening inclusive, community-based mediation across Tanzania.
Left: Erick Mukiza, Accredited Mediator & ADR Policy Expert, submitting progress report to Right: Mr. Felix Chakila, Assistant Director of Public Legal Service and Head of the ADR Unit.
ESS Board members Dr. Elly Ndyetabura (Chairman) and Moraa Shoo with Mr. Felix Chakila and Erick Mukiza
Representatives of the Ministry of Constitutional and Legal Affairs, ESS Creative, and Legal Foundation