Prime
Tanzania's ex-CAG Utouh urges citizens to monitor public funds
What you need to know:
- Mr Utouh made the remarks during the official launch of a 30-month project titled Empowering Citizenry Agency for Strengthened Public Financial Governance and Sustainable Growth in Tanzania
Dodoma. Former Controller and Auditor General (CAG), Mr Ludovick Utouh, has called on Tanzanians to recognise public funds as a national resource, not tied to any political ideology, and to take responsibility in ensuring their proper use.
Speaking during the launch of a new accountability project in Dodoma, Mr Utouh, who heads the Wajibu Institute of Public Accountability, said citizens must move away from passive observation and take an active role in monitoring development projects and how funds are spent.
“A citizen must understand their duty when it comes to public funds. We should no longer stay silent even when witnessing misuse or vandalism,” he said.
Mr Utouh made the remarks during the official launch of a 30-month project titled Empowering Citizenry Agency for Strengthened Public Financial Governance and Sustainable Growth in Tanzania, funded by the European Union Commission. The €1 million (Sh3.3 billion) project targets 400 citizens across mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.
He stressed that meaningful accountability requires an informed and empowered citizenry with access to information and a strong understanding of public finance issues.
Policy Forum Executive Director Mr Semkae Kilonzo said the project will produce and share simplified public finance data to enable citizens and non-state actors to participate in public dialogue, influence policy, and demand improved governance.
“It will also strengthen civil society, the media, and citizen groups to engage national and local government on transparency, domestic revenue mobilisation, and anti-corruption,” said Mr Kilonzo.
Juma Mahomed Juma, the ICT Funds Auditor from the Zanzibar CAG’s office, praised the project, saying it will support oversight institutions on both sides of the Union.
“This initiative will enhance public awareness, including the importance of paying taxes and engaging in financial accountability,” he said.
