Former Tanzania CAG launches book on accountability agenda

Dar es Salaam. Former Controller and Auditor General Ludovick Utouh has written a book on accountability and hopes it will inspire those in position of responsibility to appreciate the importance of being accountable to the public.

The book “Uwajibikaji Ndani Ya Kalamu Isiyokuwa Na Wino” was launched today, Friday, July 27, 2018 in Dar es Salaam at a function attended by high profile individuals, including those who formerly held leadership positions in government.

In English, the Kiswahili book’s title loosely translates to ‘accountability in an inkless pen.’ It has 11 chapters and will be sold for Tsh25,000. The book is currently available at the ‘Wajibu Institute of Accountability’ offices in Dar es Salaam.

Mr Utouh who served for 10 years as CAG said he wrote the book to support and promote the public accountability agenda in Tanzania.

The book launching ceremony was held at NewAfrica Hotel in the city and was attended by various top government officials, representatives of civil society organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations and representatives of Embassies to Tanzania.

“Accountability is a fundamental driver for fostering the country's economic growth," said Mr Utouh at the launch.

He called on the government officials to embrace accountability when exercising their national duties for betterment of the nation.

“I also urge retirees who have served in government for many years to share their respective experience in efforts to pass the knowledge to the new generation,” he said.

Mr Utouh who is the founder of Wajibu Institute of Public Accountability (WIPA), said he wrote the book to share his knowledge and should not be viewed as an income generating venture.

The book contains a number of recommendations how the government can raise and promote public accountability.

“The three pillars (Government, Judiciary and Parliament) ought to respect each other and must be independent in terms of power to exercise duties,” said Mr Utouh when he was mentioning some of the recommendations.

High Commissioner of UK to Tanzania Ms Sarah Cooke who was the chief guest welcomed the launch of the book and noted that it was timely as public accountability challenges remain major concerns despite efforts by the government. “The book will help to enhance government’s efforts to combat corruption in the country," She said.  

At the same occasion, veteran politician and former Bariadi East MP Mr John Cheyo also commended the initiative.  

The event was followed by a panel session in which participants had an opportunity to discuss various issues in connection with public accountability agenda in the country.