Songea Council’s secret to three clean audits

SONGEA: FOR those who think public finance is all spreadsheets and yawns, think again. Songea District Council is proving that budget discipline can be downright exciting, especially when it earns you a clean audit opinion not once, not twice, but three times in a row! That’s right.

Songea DC has achieved what many government institutions dream of but few attain: three consecutive clean audit reports from Tanzania’s mighty fiscal watchdog, the Controller and Auditor General (CAG).

And if you think this is just bureaucratic back-patting, let us be clear: a “clean audit” means that no funds went missing, no mysterious transactions crept into the books and, perhaps most miraculously, no one tried to buy a goat for the price of a Land Cruiser.

Ruvuma Regional Commissioner, Colonel Ahmed Abbas Ahmed (who unfortunately had a scheduling conflict, possibly involving a different kind of clean-up), was ably represented by Regional Administrative Secretary (RAS), Mary Makondo, at a special council meeting held on June 18, 2025. Ms Makondo, standing at the podium with the quiet power of a woman who knows what every column in a financial statement means, delivered the big news with both congratulations and caution.

“According to the CAG report for the financial year ending June 30, 2024,” she said, “there were 32 audit issues and recommendations. Of these, 18 have been resolved and closed. Fourteen are under implementation and seven from previous years still need to be addressed.”

With the eloquence of someone who’s had one too many budget reviews, Ms Makondo also passed on five key directives from Colonel Ahmed himself. These weren’t just suggestions scribbled on the back of a napkin-they came with the full weight of regional authority.

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Among the directives were that heads of departments must fully participate in preparing responses to audit queries. No ghostwriting allowed. An action plan for implementing CAG recommendations must be in place and yes, it has to be used; the new financial tracking system is not decorative.

It is mandatory. Still, directors must take disciplinary action against any employee whose negligence leads to financial loss. No more “I forgot” excuses.

This wasn’t just a highfive moment, it was also a roll-up-your-sleeves, keepthe-momentum-going kind of pep talk. Also taking to the podium, Mr Ignus Kong’oa, the Council’s own internal auditor (and possibly the unsung hero of this entire saga), gave a detailed overview of the council’s performance.

He reminded everyone that Songea District Council has earned clean audit reports for the past three financial years: 2021/2022, 2022/2023 and now 2023/2024. This, he noted, is no small feat. “It shows a culture of discipline and responsiveness to audit recommendations,” he said, probably while fighting the urge to frame the audit certificate and hang it over his desk.

On his part Mr Oddo Kiliani, Regional CCM Chairman and professional motivational speaker (or so it seemed), stood up and added his voice to the praise choir. “We still have a few issues to resolve,” he said, gesturing like a man who’s seen some numbers. “But I am impressed. Keep working closely with internal auditors.

They’re our early-warning system.” He didn’t stop there. Kiliani emphasised the importance of empowering internal auditors, not just as after-the-fact analysts, but as proactive advisors.

“In other regions, they are enabled to monitor and advise committees and councils. Let’s use them fully.” In short: Don’t wait for the CAG to ring the bell, simply listen to the guy down the hall with the spreadsheets.

Crowning it, Executive Director of Songea District Council, Ms Elizabeth Gumbo, used her moment at the mic to thank the councillors for five years of steady support. “This achievement belongs to all of us,” she said, echoing the spirit of teamwork.

She also assured RAS Makondo that all directives would be implemented. Looking ahead to the national elections, Gumbo offered warm wishes to the councillors “May the odds (and votes) be ever in your favour” and expressed hope that if re-elected, they’d continue the journey of transforming Songea. You could almost hear the emotional soundtrack swelling in the background.

Deputy Chairperson Simon Kapinga, speaking on behalf of Council Chair Menace Komba (who may have been deep in constituency work or enjoying a well-earned cup of chai), added his voice to the chorus of praise.

Kapinga didn’t just applaud the council committees, he also spotlighted nationallevel support, especially from Peramiho Member of Parliament and Minister for Health Jenista Mhagama. Her support, he said, has been key in achieving the clean audit streak.

Mr Kapinga then faced the external auditor and gave a promise: “We’re not stopping here. The remaining audit issues will be addressed. Clean audits are now part of our brand.” No great audit report comes without quiet heroes working behind closed doors.

During the meeting, RAS Makondo awarded certificates of recognition to several staff members who played pivotal roles in preparing the 2023/2024 financial statements.

Among those honoured were Hadija Boffu, the Treasurer with the golden ledger; Ignus Kong’oa, internal auditor and spreadsheet whisperer; Nurdin Selemani and Lameck Joshua, the accountants who probably dream in decimals. “These certificates,” Makondo said, “are not just paper.

They are a symbol of the quality and commitment we expect moving forward.” Cue the applause and possibly a few proud selfies.

All council and committee activities are set to conclude officially today, until then, it’s business as usual with an extra dash of pride and a clear commitment to leaving no audit query behind.

With elections on the horizon and expectations rising, one thing is clear: Songea District Council has set a new standard for public financial management in Tanzania. And in a world where public trust is gold, that clean audit is a priceless badge of honour.