Mwanza RC calls NGOs to be innovative in designing projects

MWANZA: MWANZA Regional Commissioner CP Salum Hamduni has called on non-governmental organizations (NGOs) operating in the region to adopt innovative approaches in designing and implementing projects, diversify their sources of revenue, and ensure that all their activities comply with the country’s laws, regulations, and established procedures.

CP Hamduni made the remarks today, September 17, 2026, while addressing participants at the Mwanza region Annual NGO Forum, where he acknowledged the important contribution made by civil society organizations toward improving the welfare of citizens and supporting development initiatives across the region.

He said the government recognizes the role NGOs play in complementing public efforts in areas such as community development, social services, capacity building, and other initiatives aimed at improving people’s livelihoods.

“The Mwanza Regional Commissioner’s Office acknowledges the efforts of NGOs in bringing development to the people. Organizations need to be innovative in project design and expand their revenue sources,” he said.

He urged NGOs to move beyond dependence on a limited number of donors and explore sustainable ways of financing their activities. According to him, developing projects that can generate income while continuing to serve communities would help organizations remain operational and reduce the financial challenges that frequently affect the implementation of development programmes.

The Regional Commissioner also emphasized the need for NGOs to maintain transparency in the way they obtain and manage financial resources. He called on organizations to strengthen accountability mechanisms and ensure that funds received for specific programmes are used for their intended purposes.

He said financial transparency and accountability were essential for maintaining public confidence, strengthening relationships with development partners, and ensuring that resources intended to benefit communities produce the desired results.

CP Hamduni further urged NGOs to ensure that their programmes and projects are aligned with the country’s National Development Vision 2050. He said organizations should design interventions that contribute to broader national and regional development priorities while remaining within the framework of existing laws and regulations.

He also reminded NGOs of their administrative obligations, particularly the requirement to submit their annual plans to the Mwanza Regional Registrar’s Office.

“Organizations are required to submit their annual plans to the Mwanza Regional Registrar’s Office,” he said.

The requirement, he noted, is part of the mechanisms used to ensure that organizations operating in the region remain accountable and that their activities are properly coordinated with established development priorities.

Speaking on behalf of NGOs in Mwanza, Mr Revocatus Sono highlighted the financial and operational challenges facing organizations in the region. He said many NGOs continue to struggle with limited and scarce financial resources, making it difficult for them to maintain their operations and implement planned development activities effectively.

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Mr Sono said that, as of August 2026, a total of 510 organizations had been registered in the Mwanza region. However, he noted that registration alone was not enough to guarantee effective implementation of development programmes, particularly when organizations face difficulties accessing financial and institutional support.

He also pointed to weak cooperation between NGOs and some stakeholders, warning that the situation could affect the implementation of development activities intended to benefit communities.

According to him, stronger collaboration among NGOs, government institutions, communities, and other stakeholders would create opportunities for organizations to participate more effectively in development planning and implementation.

Mr Sono called on the government to provide NGOs with greater opportunities to participate in regional budget meetings. He said allowing organizations to take part in such discussions would give them an opportunity to present community needs, contribute ideas during the planning process, and help ensure that development priorities reflect challenges experienced at the grassroots level.

He argued that NGOs work closely with communities and therefore possess knowledge and experience that could be useful in the preparation and implementation of regional development programmes.

“We continue to receive limited cooperation from the community, and we face a shortage of financial resources to run our operations,” he said.

For her part, Mwanza Regional Administrative Secretary, Dr Fatma Mganga, emphasized the importance of cooperation between NGOs and government institutions in efforts to improve public welfare.

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