According to the government, 436 inmates were released immediately, while 933 others received sentence reductions and will continue serving the remaining portions of their jail terms.

In a statement, Tanzania’s Minister for Home Affairs, Patrobas Katambi, said the clemency was issued under constitutional powers that allow the president to pardon or reduce sentences for eligible prisoners.

The measures include a remission of one-sixth of prison sentences for qualifying inmates who had already served part of their terms before January 25, 2026.

Authorities said the clemency targeted selected categories of prisoners, including elderly inmates aged 70 and above, prisoners suffering from chronic or terminal illnesses and women who entered prison while pregnant or with children.

Prisoners living with physical or mental disabilities that limit their ability to work were also included, subject to medical certification by government health authorities.

The government further said inmates detained under Presidential Pleasure who had served at least 10 years in custody, as well as prisoners who had spent 25 years or more in prison, were among those considered for clemency.

In addition, death row prisoners who had spent 15 years or longer in prison and had exhausted all legal appeal processes had their sentences commuted from death penalties to life imprisonment.

However, the clemency excluded prisoners convicted of a range of serious offences, including corruption, money laundering, human trafficking, drug trafficking, terrorism and armed robbery.

Those convicted of sexual offences against children, violent crimes, illegal possession of firearms, poaching, cybercrime and offences involving public funds were also excluded from the presidential pardon.

The government said repeat offenders, inmates with recent prison disciplinary violations and prisoners previously granted presidential clemency were not eligible for the measure.

Tanzania traditionally announces presidential pardons and sentence reductions during major national commemorations and public holidays.

The Union Day anniversary, observed annually on April 26, marks the 1964 union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar that led to the formation of the United Republic of Tanzania.

Authorities said the government expects released prisoners to reintegrate into society peacefully and contribute positively to national development.

Notes to Editors

– – The clemency reflects a structured eligibility framework, not a universal pardon—avoid framing it as blanket amnesty.

– – The exclusion of financial crimes (corruption, money laundering) is politically significant and aligns with state anti-corruption positioning.

– Death sentence commutations indicate a gradual softening of capital punishment practice, even if not formal abolition.

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