Public dialogues held under the Raia Makini project have brought to light significant concerns among citizens regarding the planning and implementation of local budgets, while also building public awareness, confidence and willingness to engage leaders on the management of public resources. The dialogues demonstrated that when citizens are provided with information and a safe space to speak, they are ready to question decisions, demand accountability and contribute constructively to local development.
The dialogues were organised by Policy Forum and Wajibu in collaboration with local civil society organisations and took place between 17 and 28 November 2025 across project areas in Katavi, Dodoma, Lindi and Zanzibar. They convened citizens, village and Shehia leaders, 142 (57 women and 85 men) Community Accountability Champions (CACs), civil society actors and local government officials to openly discuss public financial governance and service delivery challenges.
In total, fourteen village dialogues and one district-level public debate were conducted, reaching approximately 1,755 citizens, with women forming a substantial share of participants. Through interactive discussions complemented by traditional dances, drama and songs, communities reflected on their role in development, the importance of attending village meetings, participating in budget processes and development projects, and strengthening collaboration between citizens and government.
In Mpimbwe District in Katavi Region, residents of Luchima and Ilalanguru villages used the dialogue platforms to question how local development priorities are captured in council budgets and to demand greater transparency in the use of public funds. Participants demonstrated improved understanding of the budget cycle and called for simplified budget information to be shared regularly at the village level to support meaningful engagement.
Participants also raised serious concerns about the quality and delayed completion of infrastructure projects, including road maintenance and the unfinished health dispensary in Luchima Village.
Similar concerns were raised in Dodoma’s Bahi and Mpwapwa districts, where citizens requested simplified and accessible versions of budget documents, as well as timely publication of expenditure reports for local projects. These requests were directed at local officials, with calls to regularly update communities through notice boards and other local communication channels.
In Kilwa District, Lindi Region, declining attendance at village meetings emerged as a major concern. Citizens explained that repeated failure to see their priorities reflected in plans and budgets has discouraged participation over time. Longstanding issues such as boundary disputes and conflicts between farmers and pastoralists were also raised, leading district officials to commit to follow up and engage relevant authorities.
Dialogues held in Michenga and Likunja villages in Ruangwa District attracted large turnouts, with citizens questioning delays in development projects and calling for stronger oversight of village revenues. Council officials used the opportunity to explain the planning and budgeting calendar and encouraged communities to remain engaged throughout the entire process, rather than only during project implementation.
In Zanzibar, dialogues conducted in Bububu, Kama, Mkwajuni and Mkokotoni focused on accountability at the Shehia level and the need for clearer and more consistent feedback from leaders on development initiatives. Theatre performances played a key role in simplifying governance concepts and encouraging broader participation, particularly among women and persons with disabilities.
At the district level, a public debate held at Tanganyika District Council brought together citizens, local government leaders and the media to discuss citizen participation in planning and budgeting. Although planned village dialogues in the area could not take place due to administrative restrictions, the debate revealed strong public demand for greater inclusion in budget decision-making.
Across all locations, transparency and accountability consistently emerged as central themes. Citizens raised concerns about limited disclosure of village revenues and expenditures, alleged mismanagement of the ten per cent council loans and weak feedback mechanisms between leaders and communities.
Overall, the Raia Makini dialogues have generated rich documentation of citizen priorities and concerns that will inform follow-up advocacy and engagement with authorities. While the discussions exposed persistent governance challenges, they also clearly demonstrated that citizens are willing and able to engage meaningfully when provided with information, inclusive platforms and genuine opportunities to be heard.