THE TANZANIA INTELLIGENCE AND SECURITY SERVICE

ACT, 1996
ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS
PART I
PRELIMINARY
Section Title
1. Short title and commencement.
2. Application.
3. Interpretation.
PART II
THE TANZANIA INTELLIGENCE AND SECURITY SERVICE
4. Establishment of TISS.
5. Functions of TISS.
PART III
THE MANAGEMENT OF TISS
6. The Director-General.
7. Officers and employees of TISS.
8. Grading of offices.
9. Conditions of employment.
10. Role of Director-General.
11. Role of Minister.
12. Process for resolution of staff disputes.
13. Oaths.
PART IV
DUTIES AND POWERS OF TISS
14. Duty to collect, analyse and retain information.
15. Power to investigate.
16. Restriction on publication and broadcasting information.
17. Authorised disclosure of information.
18. Cooperation.
PART V
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
19. Protection of officers and employees.
20. Protection of sources of information.
21. Delegation of powers.
22. Regulations.
23. Offences.

1
4 No. 15 Tanzania Intelligence and Security Service 1996

to, record, monitor, or acquire the communication, or acquire its

substance, meaning or purport, and ''interception'' has a correspond-
ing meaning;
"Minister'' means the Minister responsible for intelligence and security
or, if no such Minister is appointed, the President;
" place'' includes any conveyance;
"sabotage'' means any such offence under the National Security Act,
1970;
"security'' means the protection of the United Republic from acts of
espionage, sabotage and subversion, whether or not it is directed from
or intended to be committed within the United Republic;
"security assessment'' means an appraisal of the loyalty to Tanzania and,
so far as it relates thereto, the reliability of an individual;
''the Service'' means the Tanzania Intelligence and Security Service es-
tablished by section 4,
" subversion'' means attempting, inciting, counselling, advocating or en-
couraging-
(a) the overthrow by unlawful means of the Government of the Un-
ited Republic or of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar.
(b) the undermining by unlawful means of the authority, of the State
in the United Republic.
''terrorism'' means planning, threatening, using or attempting to use
violence to coerce, deter or intimidate-
(a) the lawful authority of the State in the United Republic or any
part of it.
(b) the community throughout the United Republic or in any area
in the United Republic,
for the purpose of furthering any political aim;
''threats to the security of the United Republic'' means-
(a) espionage, sabotage or other activities which are against Tanzania
or are detrimental to the integrity, sovereignty or other interests
of Tanzania or activities directed toward or in support of such
espionage or sabotage.
(b) foreign influenced activities within or relating to Tanzania that
are detrimental to the interests of Tanzania, are clandestine or
deceptive or involve a threat to any person.
(c) activities within or relating to Tanzania directed toward or in
support of the threat or use of acts of serious violence- against
persons or property for the purpose of achieving a political objec-
tive within Tanzania or a foreign state; and
(d) activities directed toward undermining by covert unlawful acts,
or directed toward or intended ultimately to lead to the destruc-
tion or overthrow by violence of, the constitutionally established
system of government in Tanzania, but does not include lawful
advocacy, protest or dissent, unless caried on in conjunction with
any of the activities referred to in paragraphs (a) to (d).
No. 15 Tanzania Intelligence and Security Service 1996 5

PART 11
THE TANZANIA INTELLIGENCE AND SECURITY SERVICE
4.--(l) There is hereby established a department of Government Establish-
within the office of the President which shall be known as the Tanzania ment of
Intelligence and Security Service or, when referred to in brief, by the TISS
acronym ''TISS''
(2) Subject to this Act, the intelligence and security department exist-
ing before the enactment of this Act shall be deemed to have been
established and its employees and officers to have been recruited and
appointed in pursuance of the relevant provisions of this Act.
(3) The Director-General may, with the prior written approval of the
Minister establish regional and district offices of the Service.
5.-(1) Subject to the control of the Minister, the functions of the Functions
Service shall be- of TISS
(a) to obtain, correlate, and evaluate intelligence relevant to security,
and to communicate any such intelligence to the Minister and to
persons whom, and in the manner which, the Director-General
considers it to be in the interests of security;
(b) to advise Ministers, where the Director-General is satisfied that
it is necessary to do so, in respect of matters -relevant to security,
so far as those matters relate to departments or portfolios of
which they are in charge;
(c) to cooperate as far as practicable and necessary with such other
organs of state and public authorities within or outside Tanzania
as are capable of assisting the Service in the performance of its
functions.
(d) to inform the President, and any other person or authority which
the Minister may so direct, of any new area of potential espionage,
sabotage, terrorism or subversion in respect of which the Direc-
tor-General has considered it necessary to institute surveillance.
(2) It shall not be a function of the Service-
(a) to enforce measures for security; or
(b) to institute surveillance of any person or category of persons by
reason only of his or their involvement in lawful protest, or dissent
in respect of any matter affecting the Constitution, the laws or
the Government of Tanzania.

PART III
THE MANAGEMENT OF TISS
6.--(1) There shall be a Director-General of Intelligence and Security The Di
who shall be appointed by the President. rector-
General
6 No. 15 Tanzania Intelligence and Security Service 1996

(2) The Director-General shall hold office under a contract of service

during the pleasure of the President or such term not exceeding five
years, and on such terms and conditions as to salary, allowances, superan-
nuation benefits, and otherwise, as the President may deem fit.

(3) Subject to subsection (4) the Director-General is eligible, on the

expiration of a first or any subsequent term of office, to be re-appointed
for a further term not exceeding five years.
(4) No person shall hold office as Director-General for terms exceed-
ing ten years in the eggregate.
(5) The Director-General shall, subject to this Act and to any direc-
tions of a general or specific character given by the President, be the
chief executive officer of the Service and responsible to the Minister for
the efficient and proper working of the Service.
Officers 7.-(l) Subject to this Act, and notwithstanding the provisions of the
and Civil Service Act, 1989-
employee
s of TISS (a) all officers and members of the Service; and
(b) all persons appointed or amployed under the Civil Service Act,
1989, or any other written law,
assigned to the intelligence or security service immediately before the
enactment of this Act shall become employees of the Service with effect
from the commencement of this Act.
(2) Subject to this Act, the Director-General may, on behalf of the
Government of. the United Republic or of the Revolutionary Govern-
ment of Zanzibar-
(a) employ under written agreements, such officers of intelligence
and security as he thinks necessary;
(b) engage such other employees as he thinks necessary,
for the purposes of this Act.

(3) Every person referred to in subsection (1) shall, upon the com-
mencement of this Act, continue to have employment benefits equivalent
to that he had immediately before the commencement of this Act, until
such time as those benefits are modified by the Service according to law.
(4) The Director-General shall not employ any person as an officer
save-
(a) in an office the grading and salary scale of which has been deter-
mined under section 8(1); and
(b) upon the terms and conditions of service in force under section
9 in relation to the employment of persons as officers at the date
on which the person is employed.
 No. 15 Tanzania Intelligence and Security Service 1996 7

8.-(1) The salary scales applicable to offices in the Service, other Grading
than the office of Director-General, shall be such as are determined of offices
from time to time by the Director General after consultation with the
Chief Secretary, subject to any directions of the Minister in that behalf.

(2) The designations of offices in the Service immediately before the

enactment of this Act, and the salary scales then applicable to those
offices shall be deemed to have been determined in pursuance of subsec-
tion (1).
9.-(l) Nothing in the Civil Service Act, 1989, shall apply to the Condi-
Director-General or the officers and employees of the Service. tions of
employ-
ment
(~) Subject to this Act, the terms and conditions of employment of
officers and employees of the Service shall be determined by the Director-
General subject to any directions of the Minister in that behalf.
(3) The Minister shall, not later than six months from the commence-
ment of this Act, make regulations which shall constitute the code of
conduct for all officers and employees of the. Service in relation to the
conduct, discipline, presentation, considerations, ethical standards and
general directions to be adhered to in the carrying out of the functions
and exercise of the powers conferred on the Service.
(4) The regulations constituting the code of conduct for the Service
shall be published only to members of the Service and in the manner
which the Minister determines.
10.-(I) Subject to the powers of the President and the directions of Role of
the Minister in respect of any matter under this Act, the Director-General
Director
shall have the command, control, direction, general superintendence
and management of the Service and all matters connected with it. General
(2) Subject to any orders issued by the President and unless the Minis-
ter directs otherwise in writing in relation to any matter, all orders and
instructions to the Service which are required to give effect to the deci-
sions and to carry out the policies and directions of the Government
shall be issued by or through the Director-General.
3. In the discharge of his functions under this Act the Director-Gen-
eral may make administrative, financial operational or other form of
regulations, subject to approval by the Minister.
11.-(1) For the purposes of giving directions under section 10, the Role of
Minister may issue to the Director-General written directions with re- Minister
spect to the Service and a copy of any such direction shall, as soon as
it is issued, be furnished to the Chief Secretary.
(2) The Director-General shall consult with the Minister on matters
concerning-
(a) The general operational policies of the Service; and
8 No. 15 Tanzania Intelligence and Security Service 1996

(b) any matter with respect to which consultation is required by

directions issued under section 10 or section 11(t).
(3) The Minister shall from time to time advise and brief the President
with respect of directions issued under this and section 10 or which
should, in the opinion of the Minister, be issued under this Act by the
President, the Minister or any other relevant authority.
Process
for resolu- 12. Notwithstanding the Civil Service Negotiating Machinery Act but
tion of subject to this Act the Director-General shall establish procedures re-
staff dis- specting the consideration and adjudication of grievances in relation to
putes employees of the Service.
Oaths
13. The Director-General and every officer or employee of the Service
shall, prior to embarking upon the duties of office, take an oath of
allegiance and the oaths set out in the Schedule to this Act.

PART IV
DUTIES, AND POWERS OF TISS
Duty to 14.-(1) It shall be the duty of the Service to collect, by investigation
collect, or otherwise, to the extent that it is strictly necessary, and analyse and
analyse
and retain retain information and intelligence respecting activities that may on
informa- reasonable grounds be suspected of constituting a threat to the security
tion of the United Republic or any part of it.
(2) The Service shall, in relation to the information dealt with under
subsection (1), report to and advise the Government.
(3) The Service may provide security assessments to departments of
the Government.
(4) The Service may-
(a) advise any Minister on matters relating to the security of Tan-
zania; or
(b) provide any Minister with information relating to security mat-
ters.
Power to 15.-(1) The Service shall, subject to this Act, have power to inves-
investi-
gate
tigate any person or body of persons whom or which it has reasonable
cause to consider a risk or a source of risk of a threat to the state security.
(2) The Service may conduct any investigations which are required
for the purpose of providing security assessments pursuant to section 14.
(3) The Service may, with the approval of the Minister, enter into an
arrangement with-
(a) any person or body of persons;
(b) any local government or other authority;
No. 15 Tanzania Intelligence and Security Service 1996 9

(c) any police, force or other policing organisation.

authorising the Service to provide security assessments.
(4) The Service may, with the approval of the President after consul-
tation with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, enter into an arrangement
with the government of a foreign state or an international organization
of states authorizing the service to provide the government, institution
or organisation with security assessment.
16--(1) Subject to this section no per-son shall, without the written Restric-
consent of the Minister, publish or cause or allow to be published in a tion on
publica-
newspaper or other document, or broadcast or cause or allow to be tion and
broadcast by radio or television or otherwise, the fact that any person, broad-
other than the Director-General- casting in-
formation
(a) is a member of the Service;
(b) is connected in, any way with a member of the service.
(2) The written consent of the Minister in relation to any proceedings
in any court may be filed in the court and when so filed shall be sufficient
authority to all persons to act in accordance with it.
(3) Any person who fails or refuses to comply with the provisions of
this section commits an offence and upon conviction is liable to a fine
not exceeding five hundred thousand shillings.
17.-(l) Information and intelligence obtained in the performance of Au-
the duties and functions of the Service pursuant to this Act shall not be thorised
disclosure
disclosed by the Service except in accordance with this section. of infor-
(2) The Service may disclose information referred to in subsection mation
(1) for the purposes of the performance of its duties and functions under
this Act or the administration or enforcement of this Act or as required
by any other law and may also disclose that information-
(a) where the information may be used in the investigation or pro-
secution of an alleged offence under any law in force in the
United Republic, to any public officer having jurisdiction to inves-
tigate the alleged ofence and to the Attorney-General or the
law officer concerned with the proceedings in respect of the al-
leged offence;
(b) where, in the opinion of the Minister, disclosure of the informa-
tion to any Minister or public officer is essential in the public
interest and that interest clearly outweighs any invasion of privacy
that could result from the disclosure, to that Minister or public
officer.
18.-(1) For the purpose of performing its duties and functions under Coopera-
this Act, the Service may, with the prior approval of the Minister- tion
(a) enter into an arrangement or otherwise cooperate with any de-
partment or other institutions of the Government or a local gov-
ernment authority;
10 No. 15 Tanzania Intelligence and Security Service 1996

(b) after consultation with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, enter
into an arrangement or otherise cooperate with the Government
of a foreign state or its institution or an international organization
of states or its institution.
(2) Where a written arrangement is entered into pursuant to subsec-
tion (1) of section 15(3) or (4), a copy of the arrangement shall be given
to the Attorney-General.

PART V
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Protec- 19.(1) The Director-General and all officers and employees of the
tion of Service shall each, performing his duties and functions under this Act,
officers
and ernp- not be liable to any action for damages for any act done or omitted to
loyees be done by him bone fide in connection with, the duties and functions
of the Service.
(2) If the Director-General is of the opinion that an officer or
employee may, on a particular occasion have acted unlawfully in the
purported performance of the duties and functions of the Service under.
this Act, he shall cause a report in respect of that matter to be submitted
to the Minister.
(3) The Minister shall cause to be given to the Attorney-General a
copy of any report that he receives pursuant to subsection (2), together
with any comment that he considers appropriate in the circumstances.
Protec- 20.-(1) No person shall disclose any information obtained in the
tion of course of the performance of functions under this Act, from which the
sources of
informa- identity of
tion
(a) any other person who is or was a confidential source of informa-
tion or assistance to the Service shall be revealed;
(b) any person who is or was an employee or officer employed in
covert operational activities of the Service can be inferred.
(2) Any person who contravenes or fails or refuses to comply with
the provisions of this section commits an offence and upon conviction
is liable to a fine of not less than five hundred thousand shillings or
imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to both the fine
and the imprisonment.

Delega- 21.-(1) Except where the contrary appears from the context of any
tion of law and subject to any special instructions of the Director-General, a
powers
Deputy Director-General or a Director, as the case may be, may exercise
or discharge any of the powers or duties which the Director-General is
by any law entitled to exercise or required to discharge.
No. 15 Tanzania Intelligence and Security Service 1996 11

(2) Except where the contrary intention appears from the context of
any special instructions of the Minister, the Director-General may au-
thorize any officer of the Service, not being below the level of head of
department, by name, office or appointment to exercise or discharge
any of the powers or duties which the Director-General is by any law
entitled to exercise or required to discharge.
(3) For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this section shall be deemed
to derogate from any power of delegation conferred upon the Director-
General by the provisions of any other law.
22.-(1) The Minister may, after consultation with or upon the recom- Regulations
mendation of the Director-General and with the consent of the President,
make regulations providing for-
(a) the administration of the Service;
(b) description of equipment and other requirements to be provided
for the purposes of the Service;
(c) the making and issue of reports, warrants or other documents
for the purposes of the Act;
(d) such other matters as may or are required to be prescribed under
this Act or as may be necessary expedient for rendering the
Service efficient in the discharge of its duties;
(e) gerenally the better and effective carrying out of the provisions
of this Act in relation to any matter, whether or not similar to
those mentioned in this section, as to which it may be convenient
to make regulations.
(2) Any regulations made under subsection (1) shall be published
only to members of the Service and in such manner as the Minister
determines.
23.-(l) Any person who knowingly resists or obstructs any officer Offences
or employee of the Service acting in the execution of his duty commits
an offence and upon conviction shall be liable to a fine not exceeding
three hundred thousand shillings or to imprisonment for a term not
exceeding twelve months or to both the fine and imprisonment.
(2) Any officer or employee of the Service. who-
(a) deserts;
(b) willfully disobeys a lawful command of an officer whom it is his
duty to obey.
commits an offence and upon conviction is liable to a fine not exceeding
five, hundred thousand shillings or imprisonment for a term not exceeding
thirty-six months without remission or to both the fine and imprisonment -
(3) Any person who, not being an officer or employee of the Service
and without the permission of the Director-General presents himself or
conducts himself as being or a& acting under powers of such an officer
or employee, commits an offence and upon conviction is liable to a fine
not exceeding three hundred thousand shillings or to imprisonment for
a term not exceeding six months or to both the fine and imprisonment.