Civil society stakeholders in Mbeya Region have begun a week-long training program aimed at strengthening their capacity to monitor the implementation of development projects and provide informed feedback on reports issued by the Controller and Auditor General (CAG).
The training, which runs from May 14 to 20, 2025, is part of a broader national initiative to engage citizens and civil society organizations (CSOs) in promoting transparency and accountability in the use of public resources. The program targets five key regions: Mbeya, Mara, Mwanza, Dar es Salaam, and Arusha.
Speaking at the official opening of the training in Mbeya, Acting Regional Auditor Athuman Seleman representing the Controller and Auditor General Charles Kichele highlighted the importance of collaboration between the government, CSOs, and the media in enhancing public understanding of audit findings and promoting constructive dialogue on governance issues.
"This initiative is designed to ensure that public funds and resources are used efficiently and deliver tangible outcomes. It is a vital step in advancing good governance and public accountability," said Seleman.
He emphasized that the training will empower citizens to interpret audit findings and use them as tools to hold local government authorities accountable.
Participants will also receive copies of a special edition of Mwananchi newspaper, simplified to help the public easily understand key audit issues raised by the CAG.
Focus Mauki, Head of Government Communications, explained that the objective of the program is to provide civil society with accessible information on the latest audit reports and foster active civic engagement.
“Informed citizens are better positioned to participate in governance. That’s why we’ve produced a special edition in simple language to highlight the key issues identified by the CAG,” said Mauki.
The sessions will also serve as a platform for collecting stakeholder input and recommendations, which will be compiled and submitted to the CAG for consideration.
The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to inclusive governance, citizen participation, and the responsible management of public resources.