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Office of the Director Internal Audit

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Internal Audit authority and mandate is derived from Makerere University Council. Its functions, activities and operations are defined in an audit charter. The University Council by policy establishes and supports Internal Audit as an independent appraisal function to examine and evaluate University activities/operations as a service to management and Council of Makerere University.

Audit reporting

The Director Internal Audit reports functionally to the Audit Committee of Council and administratively to the Vice-Chancellor.

Profile

Mr. Charles Barugahare holds a masters degree from Eastern and Southern Africa Management Institute (ESAMI), Fellow Chartered Certified Accountant (FCCA) and Bachelors Degree from Makerere University. He has auditing and accounting experience as Chief Internal Auditor, Senior Auditor, internal Auditor and Accountant /Administrator.

The Directorate

Staffing of the Directorate can be broken down into four main categories as;

1. AUDIT MANAGERS
Roles: Responsible for assisting in setting Audit plans and strategies, Risks and controls, Audit execution, Audit reporting and Follow ups.

2. SENIOR INTERNAL AUDITORS
Roles: To provide technical support and carry out routine internal Audit management supervision, review of technical aspects and monitoring of day today progress of internal Audit activities.

3. INTERNAL AUDITORS
Roles:To conduct Internal Audit engagements in accordance with laid down regulations and guidelines. Audit engagements covering testing of controls, reviewing risk exposures, evaluation of changes in systems and controls, development of working papers and report writing.

4. AUDIT ASSISTANTS
Role: To support Audit exercises and reviews

The Internal Audit function

Internal auditing is an objective assurance and consulting activity designed to add value and improve university systems, processes and controls. It is independent of any management functions or Officers and has access through the Audit Committee to the Chairperson of the University Council if required.
Vision: To be a leader in the provision of objective assurance and consulting services designed to add value and improve operations to assure the efficiency and success of Makerere University.
Mission: To add value to overall organisational performance by providing quality auditing services that result in reduced costs, gains in operational efficiencies and strengthened internal controls.

Objectives

  1. Review and assess the functioning of systems, processes and controls.
  2. Identify, assess and evaluate risks affecting achieving University objectives.
  3. Appraise the economy and efficiency with which resources are allocated and utilised
  4. Review compliance with applicable policies, plans, procedures, laws and regulations.
  5. Coordinate with External Auditors in the areas above.
  6. To recruit, develop and retain well qualified experienced and motivated audit staff.

The extent and frequency of audits depends upon varying circumstances such as results of previous audits, relative risks associated with activities, requests from Management and Council and resources availability.

Access to information

  • Access at all reasonable times to all books, documents, accounts, property, vouchers, records, correspondence and other data of Makerere University necessary for the proper performance of the Internal Audit function; and
  • The right at reasonable times to enter any premises of the University and to request any officer to furnish all information and such explanations deemed necessary to form an opinion on functioning of systems, controls and procedures.
  • It is incumbent upon all university staff to provide all information and explanations that may be required.

Critical elements for a successful audit function

  1. Auditing personnel must have an in depth knowledge of standard practices in the areas under review.
  2. Auditing personnel must have access to all necessary data to form conclusions about the area under review.
  3. Auditing personnel must be aware of explicit guidelines in the area under review as well as the specific communications to those being audited.
  4. Personnel being audited must be provided a detailed review of the conclusions of any audit and be given an opportunity to appeal any disagreements to a party other than that conducting the audit.
  5. Institutional personnel must have faith in the integrity of the audit and of the officials directing the audit.

Current and future audit priorities

  1. Recruit, develop, and retain well qualified and experienced audit staff
  2. Develop an exit strategy to phase out of pre-auditing
  3. Conduct risk assessment to identify and then prioritize areas for audit emphasis.
  4. Acquire audit software to support review of systems and processes

Contact information

More information from the Directorate of Internal Audit can be obtained from the;

Director Internal Audit: Mr. Charles Barugahare
Makerere University- Main Building, Top floor
P.O Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
Tel: +256 414 532475
Email: audit[at]ia.mak.ac.ug or cbarugahare[at]ia.mak.ac.ug

 

Internal Audit authority and mandate is derived from Makerere University Council. Its functions, activities and operations are defined in an audit charter. The University Council by policy establishes and supports Internal Audit as an independent appraisal function to examine and evaluate University activities/operations as a service to management and Council of Makerere University.

Audit reporting

The Director Internal Audit reports functionally to the Audit Committee of Council and administratively to the Vice-Chancellor.

Profile

Mr. Charles Barugahare holds a masters degree from Eastern and Southern Africa Management Institute (ESAMI), Fellow Chartered Certified Accountant (FCCA) and Bachelors Degree from Makerere University. He has auditing and accounting experience as Chief Internal Auditor, Senior Auditor, internal Auditor and Accountant /Administrator.

The Directorate

Staffing of the Directorate can be broken down into four main categories as;

1. AUDIT MANAGERS
Roles: Responsible for assisting in setting Audit plans and strategies, Risks and controls, Audit execution, Audit reporting and Follow ups.

2. SENIOR INTERNAL AUDITORS
Roles: To provide technical support and carry out routine internal Audit management supervision, review of technical aspects and monitoring of day today progress of internal Audit activities.

3. INTERNAL AUDITORS
Roles:To conduct Internal Audit engagements in accordance with laid down regulations and guidelines. Audit engagements covering testing of controls, reviewing risk exposures, evaluation of changes in systems and controls, development of working papers and report writing.

4. AUDIT ASSISTANTS
Role: To support Audit exercises and reviews

The Internal Audit function

Internal auditing is an objective assurance and consulting activity designed to add value and improve university systems, processes and controls. It is independent of any management functions or Officers and has access through the Audit Committee to the Chairperson of the University Council if required.
Vision: To be a leader in the provision of objective assurance and consulting services designed to add value and improve operations to assure the efficiency and success of Makerere University.
Mission: To add value to overall organisational performance by providing quality auditing services that result in reduced costs, gains in operational efficiencies and strengthened internal controls.

Objectives

  1. Review and assess the functioning of systems, processes and controls.
  2. Identify, assess and evaluate risks affecting achieving University objectives.
  3. Appraise the economy and efficiency with which resources are allocated and utilised
  4. Review compliance with applicable policies, plans, procedures, laws and regulations.
  5. Coordinate with External Auditors in the areas above.
  6. To recruit, develop and retain well qualified experienced and motivated audit staff.

The extent and frequency of audits depends upon varying circumstances such as results of previous audits, relative risks associated with activities, requests from Management and Council and resources availability.

Access to information

  • Access at all reasonable times to all books, documents, accounts, property, vouchers, records, correspondence and other data of Makerere University necessary for the proper performance of the Internal Audit function; and
  • The right at reasonable times to enter any premises of the University and to request any officer to furnish all information and such explanations deemed necessary to form an opinion on functioning of systems, controls and procedures.
  • It is incumbent upon all university staff to provide all information and explanations that may be required.

Critical elements for a successful audit function

  1. Auditing personnel must have an in depth knowledge of standard practices in the areas under review.
  2. Auditing personnel must have access to all necessary data to form conclusions about the area under review.
  3. Auditing personnel must be aware of explicit guidelines in the area under review as well as the specific communications to those being audited.
  4. Personnel being audited must be provided a detailed review of the conclusions of any audit and be given an opportunity to appeal any disagreements to a party other than that conducting the audit.
  5. Institutional personnel must have faith in the integrity of the audit and of the officials directing the audit.

Current and future audit priorities

  1. Recruit, develop, and retain well qualified and experienced audit staff
  2. Develop an exit strategy to phase out of pre-auditing
  3. Conduct risk assessment to identify and then prioritize areas for audit emphasis.
  4. Acquire audit software to support review of systems and processes

Contact information

More information from the Directorate of Internal Audit can be obtained from the;

Director Internal Audit: Mr. Charles Barugahare
Makerere University- Main Building, Top floor
P.O Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
Tel: +256 414 532475
Email: audit[at]ia.mak.ac.ug or cbarugahare[at]ia.mak.ac.ug

 

Denis Wamala

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Uhuru Kenyatta, African Leaders Inspire Youth at Guild Leaders’ Summit

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Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, keynote address by Former President of Kenya, H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, 24th April 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.

In a vibrant celebration of youth leadership and African unity, Makerere University hosted the Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, an event that brought together high-profile dignitaries, student leaders, and international partners for a powerful dialogue on the future of the continent. The summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, served as a rallying point for East Africa’s young leaders to confront Africa’s most urgent challenges—on their own terms and with their own solutions.

A Warm Welcome and Reflections on Makerere’s Legacy

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, welcomed the distinguished guests, who included Former President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, Uganda’s Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo, former Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda, Justice Simon Byabakama, Hon. Mathew Rukikaire, and European Union Deputy Ambassador Mr. Guillaume Chartrain, among others.

In his address, Prof. Nawangwe reflected on Makerere’s deep historical ties to East Africa’s liberation and development movements. He reminded the audience that Makerere University has been a crucible for the continent’s leadership, stating:

“Jomo Kenyatta was the first person to receive a degree from Makerere when, in 1963, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by then Chancellor Julius Nyerere. All freedom fighters in East Africa studied at Makerere.”

H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta is received upon arrival at Makerere University by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe. Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, keynote address by Former President of Kenya, H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, 24th April 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta is received upon arrival at Makerere University by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.

Building on this rich history, Prof. Nawangwe affirmed the university’s current mission to tackle pressing continental issues. “Today,” he said, “Makerere is committed to addressing Africa’s challenges—climate change, disease, poverty, food security, conflict resolution, and economic development. But we cannot do this alone.”

He echoed sentiments later shared by the keynote speaker, stressing that Africa must no longer depend on external interventions:

“Foreign agencies will not solve all Africa’s problems. It is our young people who must step forward and lead the change.”

Uhuru Kenyatta: “You Are the Last Line of Defence”

In a keynote address that resonated deeply with the students and delegates in attendance, Former President Uhuru Kenyatta issued a bold and urgent call to action for Africa’s youth.

“No one is coming to save us,” Kenyatta declared. “You are the last line of defence in the battle to rescue the heart and soul of Africa.”

H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta (2nd Right) poses for a group photo during the courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor with Left to Right: Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Ms. Sarah Kagingo and Guild President-H.E. Churchill James Ssentamu. Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, keynote address by Former President of Kenya, H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, 24th April 2025, Main Building, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta (2nd Right) poses for a group photo during the courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor with Left to Right: Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Ms. Sarah Kagingo and Guild President-H.E. Churchill James Ssentamu.

Positioning today’s youth as the heirs of the continent’s freedom fighters, Kenyatta described the current moment as a new “independence era”—not of political liberation, but of economic and intellectual sovereignty. He urged students to think critically about intra-African trade, which currently accounts for less than 2.5% of global commerce, and to advocate for the removal of internal barriers to trade, innovation, and mobility.

“You are the freedom fighters of this generation,” he said. “Universities must be incubators of change, and students must be the trustees of tomorrow’s Africa.”

Pan-Africanism, Leadership, and Action

Uganda’s Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo encouraged students to take up the mantle of Pan-Africanism with unwavering commitment. She acknowledged that while the rhetoric of African unity is inspiring, real progress demands more than words:

Left to Right: The Vice President-H.E. Jessica Alupo, Prime Minister Emeritus-Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, Hon. Matthew Rukikaire and other dignitaries follow proceedings. Second Annual Guild Leaders’ Summit, organized by the Guild Presidents Leadership Academy, keynote address by Former President of Kenya, H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, 24th April 2025, Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
Left to Right: The Vice President-H.E. Jessica Alupo, Prime Minister Emeritus-Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, Hon. Matthew Rukikaire and other dignitaries follow proceedings.

“You must embrace the spirit of Pan-Africanism. But it is easy to say these words—the challenge lies in collective implementation.”

She emphasized the importance of action-oriented leadership and urged the youth to harness their creativity, energy, and education for the benefit of the continent.

European Union’s Message: Leadership with Integrity

Representing Team Europe, the EU Deputy Ambassador to Uganda, Mr. Guillaume Chartrain, gave a passionate speech on the values of authentic leadership, integrity, and inclusive development. He praised Makerere University as a space where “intellectual ambition meets civic responsibility” and emphasized that leadership is not about prestige, but purpose:

“Be a leader because of what you want to be—not because of what you want to have,” he said.

Citing former Makerere alumni such as Julius Nyerere and Wangari Maathai, Chartrain called on students to model courage, resilience, and humility:

“True leadership emerges in moments of loss—when resilience, not triumph, becomes the measure of one’s character.”

The EU, he said, remains committed to supporting youth through programs like Erasmus+, the EU Youth Sounding Board, and partnerships with organizations like Faraja Africa Foundation and Restless Development. These initiatives empower youth not as symbols, but as active participants in shaping policy and governance.

The Legacy Continues

Throughout the summit, speakers highlighted the importance of legacy and long-term impact. They challenged young leaders to think not just about the present, but about the systems and institutions they will leave behind. In the words of Former President Kenyatta:

“Leadership is not about the next election. It’s about the next generation.”

The summit ended on a high note, with students invigorated and inspired to lead with purpose. As global support grows less predictable and Africa stands at a crossroads, the message from Makerere was clear: the future of the continent is in the hands of its youth. And as the Guild Leaders’ Summit demonstrated, they are ready.

Betty Kyakuwa
Betty Kyakuwa

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Admission Lists for Diploma Holders under Government Sponsorship for 2025/2026 AY

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One of the First Class Graduands Shafik Senkubuge (2nd Right) in a group photo with part of the BEHS Class of 2024. 74th Graduation Ceremony, Day 1, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences (CHS), 29th January 2024, Freedom Square, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

The Office of Academic Registrar, Makerere University has released lists of Diploma holders admitted under the Government Sponsorship Scheme for the Academic Year 2025/2026.

Under the Diploma Holders Government Sponsorship Scheme admission does not exceed 5% of the intake capacity to the respective Degree Programme.

The list can be accessed by following the link below:

Mak Editor

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Call For Applications: AlphaFold Workshop Uganda 2025

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Are you a researcher or student working in protein-related research, structural biology, or bioinformatics?

The African Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Data Intensive Sciences (ACE) Uganda with support from Google DeepMind, invites researchers and students seeking to integrate AlphaFold into their work to apply for the AlphaFold Workshop to be held at the Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University-Kampala, Uganda from 16th to 20th June 2025.

Deadline: 30th April 2025

Apply here: AlphaFold Workshop – Uganda 2025

Mak Editor

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