Government has approved the Municipal Police and Courts Bill, 2026, that will empower local authorities to establish dedicated municipal police services and municipal courts
Speaking during today’s Post Cabinet Briefing, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Soda Zhemu, said the proposed legislation seeks to strengthen the legal and institutional framework governing local authorities in line with constitutional principles of devolution and existing provisions of the Urban Councils Act and the Rural District Councils Act.
“The public is informed that in line with the Urban Councils Act [Chapter 29:15] and the Rural District Councils Act [Chapter 29:13], Local Authorities are empowered to formulate and enforce regulation of matters falling within their jurisdiction,” said Dr Zhemu.
He said the Bill had been crafted to address growing challenges associated with by-law enforcement and the administration of justice at local authority level.
“In order to promote good governance, efficient service delivery and access to justice, local authorities require coordinated structures and strengthened municipal enforcement of by-laws to address issues of non-compliance, including apprehension of offenders of by-laws, investigation and prosecution of such offences,” he said.
Under the proposed legislation, municipalities will be empowered to establish and maintain dedicated and professional municipal police services tasked with safeguarding communities and enforcing local laws.
“The Bill strengthens the legal framework for municipalities to establish and maintain dedicated and professional police services focused on community safety, by-law enforcement, traffic management and local crime prevention,” Dr Zhemu said.
He added that the Bill also provides for the establishment of municipal courts that will deal with matters arising from municipal by-laws and minor offences.
“Additionally, the Bill provides for the creation of municipal courts; definition of the courts’ jurisdiction, including over municipal by-laws, minor offences and traffic violations; and the appointment of municipal magistrates, among other matters prescribed by the law,” said Dr Zhemu.
The proposed municipal courts are expected to expedite the resolution of local authority-related disputes and offences, improving access to justice while reducing administrative bottlenecks.
Dr Zhemu reiterated that the legislation would ultimately strengthen local governance structures across the country.
“Accordingly, local governance structures will be enhanced in line with the constitutional Devolution principles and improved public safety and environmental management outcomes,” he said.
The approval of the Bill marks a significant step towards empowering local authorities to more effectively manage municipal affairs while promoting safer, cleaner and better-regulated communities.
