KARONGI- Budget planners and local authorities this week pledged to develop budget proposals based on the needs of the local population.

The district’s Director of Planning, Emmanuel Muhire, observed that public opinion is an important factor in financial planning.

He said that budgets based on people’s choices help to adequately address their needs while executing the set performance targets.

"The people have a vital role to play in the achievement of economic development and poverty reduction goals,” he said.

Muhire spoke during a training workshop in Karongi District aimed at creating awareness on drafting people-oriented budget proposals.

Andrea Nkulikiyinka, a budget expert conducting the training, also called for the same principle.

"There is need to first consult the people because your developmental activities and aspirations are entirely meant for their own benefit,” he noted.

He emphasised that getting the people’s views in advance is another way of ensuring that the amount of money proposed corresponds to the anticipated activities.

"If at the end of the financial year there is no extra money remaining, there would be no temptations to engage in corruption,” Nkulikiyinka observed.

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