Mwanza – Ilemela Municipal Council has once again proven its commitment to transparency and good governance, earning a clean audit opinion from the Controller and Auditor General (CAG) for the fifth consecutive year.
This remarkable achievement signals sound financial management and strong institutional collaboration but also comes with a renewed call to action.
Speaking during a full council meeting held on June 17, Mwanza Regional Commissioner Said Mtanda applauded the council’s performance and urged its leaders and departments to stay vigilant in addressing audit recommendations.
“We must continue to ensure no new audit queries emerge by responding on time and closing issues effectively,” said Mtanda.
“Let’s fully implement CAG’s recommendations and work closely with his office. Every department must play its part this is a public institution, not a private company.”he added
The Regional Commissioner emphasized that unresolved audit issues often stem from delays in response, weak coordination among departments, and insufficient documentation challenges that need urgent attention to uphold public trust.
According to Mr. Richson Ringo, Mwanza’s external auditor, Ilemela earned an unqualified opinion the best possible rating for the 2023/2024 financial year. However, 12 out of 42 audit issues raised during the year remain unresolved.
Presenting the audit report on behalf of the Municipal Director, Municipal Treasurer Ms. Mariam Mshana explained that 71% of the queries had been addressed, and the remaining are currently under implementation.
She also noted that from 2019 to 2024, Ilemela has consistently received clean audits, a feat she credited to effective collaboration among technical staff, elected councilors, and support from the offices of the District and Regional Commissioners.
Area MP, Dr. Angeline Mabula, praised the council’s performance but raised concern over specific unresolved issues including a land dispute involving the sale of property by Mwanza City Council on land belonging to Ilemela without its consent. She called for intervention from the Regional Commissioner to protect Ilemela’s interests.
This raises a critical point: citizens have a vital role to play in keeping local authorities accountable. Annual audits are not just bureaucratic exercises they are tools for transparency, and the public has the right to know how their taxes are managed.
“Clean audits should not make us complacent,” said one resident. “They’re a sign we’re on the right path—but also a reminder to stay involved and keep asking questions.”
Every year, local government authorities are required by law to submit their financial reports for audit under the Local Government Finance Act (1982, amended in 2019).
A clean audit means that public money is being managed properly but unresolved audit issues can signal potential risks, inefficiencies, or missed opportunities for better services.
Ilemela’s consistent performance is a positive story of public sector leadership but sustaining that success will depend on continued diligence, open communication, and active citizen oversight.
