General
Manuals to Streamline Mak Processes Launched
As part of the activities of the Change Management Committee, the Quality Assurance Directorate has released three manuals to further streamline processes at Makerere University. The Financial Procedures Manual; the Procurement and Disposal Manual; and the Internal Audit Manual were launched by the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration, DVCFA, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, at a ceremony in the CEDAT conference hall on 3rd Dec 2014 .
The manuals are to be used by the respective offices of Makerere University and soft copies of the same will be availed online by the Quality Assurance Directorate.
The Internal Audit Manual is an amalgamation of all key separate policies including the Internal Audit Charter, Audit Committee charter, Code of Ethics and Audit Standards. This manual makes reference to best internal audit practices the world over like of integrity, confidentiality, objectivity and competence in guiding users. It is applicable to all staff, students and agents of the University who conduct, manage or oversee university resources.
The Financial Procedures Manual is strong on financial discipline across the university. The section on responsibilities stipulates that Principals, Directors and Heads of Units conduct their activities in a manner consistent with good internal control. They shall ensure compliance with Government of Uganda, University and donor requirements in the use of resources. This includes assessing the risks of achieving set objectives and explaining budget variances from expected budget conditions. In the guidelines provided, this manual is to be used as the main reference on financial accounting policies and procedures. Consultation is to be made with the University Bursar on any areas outside the scope of this manual.
The Procurement and Disposal Manual points to the principles of non-discrimination, transparency, fairness, and conflict of interest in handling public procurement and disposal activities.
At the launch of these manuals, the Commissioner Financial Management Services in the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic planning, Godfrey Ssemugooma shared that the ministry is introducing a Computerised Education Management & Accounting System (CEMAS). The system, which aims at automating all university processes, is being implemented through a collaboration of the Ministries of Education, Finance & Works; the eight public institutions of higher learning; as well as regulators and operators including NITA-U, and the National Council for Higher Education among others.
CEMAS is expected to introduce new business features & modify processes; provide system training and skills 
development for financial management cadres; and redefine the common consumables procured by the University, e.g., stationery. In some of its benefits, CEMAS will see to the timely access to accurate financial information: including online tracking of revenue performance; quick generation of reports; quality data for planning; timely reconciliations and financial reporting. It will also ensure flexibility of the university, through extended business hours: 24/7 availability of selected services; reduced operational costs, less customer queues, and less human resource hours.
In response to the proposed system, Prof. Nawangwe noted that, “we do not want you to bring a system that will add to our already many problems. We will embrace CEMAS for as long as it is indeed a solution to help us in the timely delivery of services.
The Director Quality Assurance, Dr. Vincent Ssembatya, observed that Makerere University has to provide services with the knowledge that modern students access information online.
Larry Ribbeklint a consultant with KPMG observed that Makerere University has in place the necessary laws but emphasized the need for the different constituents to come together to form ideas about an overall internal control system. He gave an example of the absence of a clear paper on anti-corruption at Makerere University.
Article by Marion Alina, Public Relations Office
The Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe has today, Friday, 26th June 2026 handed over the CCE (Complex) Hall of Residence Site to National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) Managing Director and CEO, Lieutenant General James Mugira for renovation and overhaul works. The UGX 12billion Government of Uganda-funded works, expected to be completed within a year, are the fourth project to be undertaken by NEC. They were preceded by; construction of the University Perimeter Wall, Renovation of Lumumba Hall, and Renovation of Mary Stuart Hall.
NEC’s Record Lauded
Prof. Nawangwe in his remarks at the handover ceremony lauded these projects. “The quality of work done by NEC makes us proud because we can finally say that we have Ugandans who can do the things, which we previously depended on foreigners to do.” He therefore thanked the Government of Uganda for fully funding the projects and the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Museveni, whose visit set the renovation projects in motion.
The Vice Chancellor added that as the Alma mater for most members of both the Contractor and Project Management Teams, this was a moment of great pride as their expertise and skills have saved the country billions of taxpayers’ money. “Thank you for being patriotic”, he commended.
Prof. Nawangwe concluded by noting that CCE Hall, by virtue of its location, provides a first impression of Makerere University as a whole. He therefore urged the contractor to ensure that upon renovation, CCE Hall would create a memorable and lasting first impression, exceeding even that of the renovated Mary Stuart Hall.
A Project Fueled by Nostalgia
Speaking of impressions, Lt. Gen. Mugira, with nostalgia recalled that close to 42 years ago, he not only attended his first lectures in Hall 1 of the CCE Complex but also, on a more personal note added, “my wife was a resident, and so I have every motivation to put in a lot of effort and make sure that I deliver more than was done with Mary Stuart and Lumumba.”
He therefore extended heartfelt appreciation to his Alma mater Makerere University for the trust and confidence bestowed in NEC, which underscored their ability to deliver. “Trust is earned through performance, through integrity and consistency, and your decision to engage us motivates us to work even harder to exceed your expectations.”
In his remarks, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration) Prof. Henry Alinaitwe reechoed the need to ensure that the project is executed with adherence to the cost, quality, specifications and safety related issues as earlier shared by the Acting (Ag.) Chief Engineer of Estates and Works, Eng. Ezra Sekadde.
“NEC has already demonstrated this (with previous projects), and that is why we have all the confidence that you can deliver this project within 12 months” remarked Prof. Alinaitwe. He equally lauded the Project Management Team (PMT) led by Arch. Dr. Kenneth Ssemwogerere whose supervision ensures timely project completion.
Relatedly, Arch. Dr. Semwogerere was on 25th June 2026, the eve of the handover, promoted to the rank of Associate Professor, a milestone Prof. Alinaitwe attributed to his track record as Head of PMT. He therefore, on a light note, urged him to keep up the good work as this could equally contribute to his promotion to the rank of full Professor.
Also present at the handover ceremony was the Principal, College of Education and External Studies (CEES) Prof. Anthony Mugagga, whose unit will be greatly affected by the renovations. He nevertheless welcomed and reiterated his full support for the project, noting that just as renovation of Lumumba and Mary Stuart Halls had resulted in many alumni revisiting, the CCE Complex would upon renovation attract former residents and teaching professionals to give back or forge new partnerships.
Student Welfare at the Forefront
On her part, the Dean of Students Dr. Winifred Kabumbuli lauded the renovations of Halls of Residence as a clear demonstration of Government’s dedication to the improvement of student welfare, and creating an environment conducive for nurturing responsible citizens who can contribute to national development. She pledged her Office’s and the Student Leadership’s readiness to ensure that the renovated facilities used responsibly for the benefit of future generations.
As a resident of the recently renovated Mary Stuart Hall, 92nd Guild President H.E. Kadondi Gracious could not help but appreciate how impactful the renovation of CCE Hall would be to student welfare. “The female students will be very excited (to occupy CCE Hall) but the male students will be left complaining – so we shall be expecting more renovations, not just for the female but also the male students,” she amiably concluded.
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