The morning dialogue under the Raia Makini project was held on 17 November 2025 at the Tanganyika District Council hall in Katavi Region. The main objective was to highlight the importance of citizens’ participation in planning and budgeting, as well as how the Council intends to enable them to take part in the budgeting process.

Opening the dialogue, the Acting Council Director, Mr. Philemon Mwita, called upon citizens to fully participate in development activities and attend formal village meetings, where opinions, recommendations and key decisions about the future of community development are made.

Earlier, Richard Angelo from Policy Forum explained the objectives of the Raia Makini project, which seeks to enhance citizens’ understanding so that they can actively participate in public resource management and demand accountability from leaders. The project is funded by the European Union, as part of broader efforts to strengthen good governance across Africa. Through this support, WAJIBU and Policy Forum provide accurate and easy-to-understand information on public finance management to increase citizens’ engagement in policy dialogues and debates.

On his part, the Planning Officer of Tanganyika District Council, Mr. Julius Ulaya, emphasized the importance of aligning development plans with national policies to reflect set priorities. He reminded citizens that they have the right and responsibility to monitor public resource use and hold leaders accountable where there is dissatisfaction. He also stressed that nation-building requires cooperation between government and the people.

The dialogue was moderated by Mr. Nicodemus Luhele, Director of TOSOVC, who provided an opportunity for participants to share their views on citizen participation in the budgeting process and how sensitization could be enhanced.

Some citizens from Mishamo Village noted that there is a low turnout in village meetings due to limited awareness among both leaders and community members. They requested continuous education and transparency in the budgeting process, stating that some development meetings, including those at hamlet level, are not convened as required.

They cited the example of Kabanga Dispensary, whose construction began in 2012 and is still incomplete due to management challenges and limited community participation.

The Education Officer, Mr. Zabron Kabugu, noted that religious leaders hold strong influence and can be used to mobilize the community, as evidenced by successful construction of places of worship that are completed with quality and within a short time. However, the leaders emphasized the importance of transparency in village revenue to build trust.

The dialogue reached the following resolutions:

1. To meet with village leadership, religious leaders and respected elders to strengthen education and community mobilization.
2. To provide continuous public education on participation in the budgeting process and village meetings.
3. To ensure village meetings are held on time and follow established procedures.
4. For the Council to increase monitoring of performance at village leadership levels.
5. To involve religious leaders in mobilizing participation in development activities.
6. To involve the Head of Settlements due to his influence (within refugee settlement areas).
7. To ensure citizens are engaged in development projects from the initial stages to strengthen collective ownership.

The dialogue concluded by reaffirming that development can only be achieved when government and citizens work together, each fulfilling their responsibilities with transparency, integrity and close follow-up.