General
Mak to Decentralise Review of Payments up to UGX50milllion to Colleges
The Makerere University Directorate of Internal Audit has carried out a further phase out arrangement that will oversee the unit dropping the review of payments up to UGX50milllion effective 1st July 2017. This was revealed during a Stakeholders Workshop on Payment review Mechanism:Internal Controls, Risk Management, Compliance and Governance held on Friday 16th June 2017 in the Main Hall.
According to the Ag. Director, Internal Audit Mr Benson Barigye, the role of the review of payments shall be taken up by the professional accountants and Principals in the respective units at College level. Officially opened by the Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof. John Ddumba-Ssentamu, the Stakeholders Workshop also focused on addressing issues regarding compliance with procurement laws and regulations.
The Vice Chancellor thanked the Directorate of Internal Audit for preparing such an informative workshop when he said, “I am happy to be part of this workshop and I am sure that during its course, we shall be able to understand your take in exiting the pre-audit process and the benefits of the action. I have hope that this system will yield successful result to the institution in terms of managing university finances and accountability.”
Addressing the intent audience at the Stakeholders Workshop, Mr. Barigye said that the action undertaken by the Internal Audit to exit the pre-Payment review process and delegating it to colleges was aimed at creating time for the team in the Directorate to concentrate more on risk-based auditing.
Citing the International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF, 2013) and best practices, Mr. Barigye said that Internal Auditors are not permitted to engage in operational issues like pre-audit activities. According to him, this was also backed up by the Makerere University Council’s decision to phase out the pre-audit activities as passed on 1st June 2011.
“With the Council’s decision to phase out the pre-audit activities, we effectively dropped review of payment up to UGX2M, review of accountabilities up to UGX5M and deliveries up to UGX2M. On 1 July, 2014, the threshold of payment review and deliveries were revised to UGX5M. Effective 1 July, 2017, internal audit shall make a further phase out arrangement up to UGX50M,” said Mr. Barigye.
According to the Makerere University Bursar Mr. Augustine Tamale, decentralising payment review will mandate professional accountants together with the College Principals to manage the college/unit financial procedures, monitor their transactions as well as present thoroughly reviewed financial papers.
Mr. Tamale also said that the process will help the respective colleges to think critically and make an informed decision on their financial interests in relation to guidelines of the Internal Audit process, before presenting financial documents for any kind of transaction.
“The colleges must review their financial documents carefully and weed out any inequalities to avoid releasing documents when not sure of their accuracy,” he said
He mentioned that the decentralised review payment will also enable the Internal Audit to have a dual review mechanism. According to the University Bursar, the decentralised review payment will also reduce on the bureaucratic nature of the institution in terms of payment review without making losses.
“We shall have a team of professional accountants who shall work hand in hand with the College Principals to have this work done before sending it to the internal audit. The advantage of this is that once the first reviewer misses out something, it could be easily be realised by the second reviewer,” he said.
In a presentation he made on “Makerere University Payment Reviews”, Mr. Augustine Tamale advised participants on the importance of having a contractual obligations and following legal procedures at each every step of review. “You should also know that you have the mandate to advise the user on the proper management of these financial documents, provide technical support to all units and be sure of the arithmetic accuracy of the document,” he said.
The University Secretary Mr. Charles Barugahare presented the financial and accountability focus of Makerere University for the financial year 2017/2018. Discussing the budget and its reporting and accountability requirements, the University Secretary extended his gratitude to the Government and Parliament of Uganda on behalf of Makerere University for the approved favorable 2017/2018 budget of UGX248bn.
“I am happy that this financial year 2017/2018, the government and the parliament of Uganda approved 248bn leading to an increment of the wage from UGX100.08bn to UGX116.89bn. This financial year the budget also indicates a figure of UGX3.85bn allocated towards arrears. In the last financial year, the university never received any arrears from the Government, I am really grateful for this,” he said.
“He however called upon the university to abide by the reporting and accountability requirements as proposed by the government. “Let us make sure that the Annual, half-yearly accounts and quarterly performance reports are prepared in accordance with the designated due dates, we prepare the Monthly Bank reconciliation for all accounts including projects by the 15th of the following month and get them signed by the responsible people,” he said.
Reiterating the need to manage risks in the auditing department, the head- Procurement and Disposal Unit Mr. Paul Agaba said that the Procurement and Disposal Unit together with the Directorate of Internal Audit should develop a tool on how to manage the financial risks that occur during the auditing process. Discussing the role of procurement in mitigating the risk in the post audit, Agaba said the Internal Audit can adopt the work plan to mitigate the increasing risks in the pre-audits
The workshop was officially closed by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), Professor Barnabas Nawangwe. In his closing remarks, Prof. Nawangwe called for several related workshops saying that they are professional development platforms that enable the working staff to gain more knowledge and skills.
Article: Public Relations Office
Under the theme, “Leveraging AI for Sustainable Transformation: Leading in Uganda’s Transformation in the Age of Disruptive AI,” the 16th Annual CEO Forum 2025 brought together government leaders, captains of industry, academia, and development partners to discuss how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can drive Uganda’s transformation agenda.
Representing the Vice Chancellor, Mr Yusuf Kiranda, University Secretary at Makerere University, reaffirmed the University’s pivotal role as a hub for AI research, innovation, and training anchored in strong partnerships across government, academia, and industry.
“Makerere University is responsible for research, innovation and training to ensure transferable knowledge that can be utilised by both the private and public sector,” Mr. Kiranda noted.
He emphasised that Uganda’s sustainable AI transformation will depend on effective policy, governance, and collaboration across sectors.
According to Mr. Kiranda, three key issues must be addressed for AI to realise its potential:
- Balancing control and facilitation: Policymakers must not only regulate AI but also actively enable its use to drive innovation and competitiveness.
- Sovereignty of AI: Uganda must safeguard its data and resources, especially in sectors like agriculture, where external mapping of local assets threatens national control and export competitiveness.
- Regional harmonisation: To ensure fair competition, AI policies must be aligned across East Africa so Ugandan, Kenyan, and Tanzanian businesses operate under a level playing field.
“In the utilisation of AI, if a policy is making Uganda less competitive, we must revise it now to allow private sector players to thrive in this disruptive age,” he added.
Mr. Kiranda further reiterated Makerere’s commitment to producing quality, AI-ready graduates and enhancing teaching and learning methods to integrate technology. He also acknowledged the Government’s continued investment in research at Makerere, which has seen a growing number of researchers focus on AI and technological innovations.
“I can attest to Makerere’s existing partnerships with government entities and development partners. These collaborations are making the market ready to deliver solutions through effective academia–industry partnerships,” he said.
Building Africa’s Digital Destiny
The forum opened with a powerful keynote from Dr. Robin Kibuka, Board Director at the CEO Summit Uganda, who spoke on “Building Africa’s Digital Destiny: Kampala Rising, Africa Inventing.”
Dr. Kibuka urged Africans to take ownership of their digital future, stressing that the continent must define how AI transforms its societies.
“Artificial Intelligence can empower Africa or divide it. The choice is ours,” he said.
He highlighted success stories from across Africa, including AI-powered drones delivering medical supplies and smart credit systems supporting small businesses — proof that the continent is already innovating its own digital solutions.
Leveraging AI for Sustainable Transformation
In her keynote address on “Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Transformation,” Dr. Preeti Aghalayam, Director of the Indian Institute of Technology Madras – Zanzibar Campus, described AI as “the defining disruptor of the 21st century.”
She emphasised that both Africa and India share a unique opportunity to collaborate in education, innovation, and human capital development to shape a more inclusive digital future.
“Artificial Intelligence must help us do better and be better,” she said, highlighting the need for responsible innovation that uplifts communities and promotes sustainability.
Digital Transformation in the Health Sector
Mr. Rashid Khalani, Chief Executive Officer of Aga Khan University Hospital, Uganda, presented on “Digital Transformation in the Health Sector,” sharing practical examples of how AI is redefining healthcare delivery.
From AI-powered radiology that detects anomalies faster, to predictive models for early sepsis detection and digital tools supporting mental health care, Mr. Khalani demonstrated how AI is improving patient outcomes and empowering medical professionals.
“AI is not replacing people. It is empowering them to deliver better care, faster,” he emphasised.
He noted that partnerships between hospitals, universities, and technology institutions are crucial in developing localised AI solutions that respond to real health needs.
Makerere at the Heart of Uganda’s AI Transformation
The discussions throughout the 16th Annual CEO Forum 2025 reaffirmed the critical importance of collaboration among academia, industry, and government in shaping Uganda’s AI-driven future.
Makerere University continues to play a leading role in this space, providing the research, innovation, and talent that power the country’s transition into a digital economy.
Through strategic partnerships, forward-looking policy engagement, and continuous innovation in research and training, Makerere stands at the forefront of preparing Uganda and the region for a smart, inclusive, and sustainable future powered by AI.
Caroline Kainomugisha is the Communications Officer, Advancement Office, Makerere University.
The 5th African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Biennial International Conference at Makerere University closed on Friday 31st October 2025 after three rich days of debate, learning, and inspiration. Delegates were kept engaged by keynote addresses, roundtable discussions, and various parallel sessions as well as poster presentations that brought forth ideas from ongoing research and innovations. The atmosphere at the closing session was warm but purposeful, as speakers reflected on achievements and affirmed a shared duty to shape Africa’s research future in Artificial Intelligence (AI) with conviction and unity.
The Secretary-General ARUA, Prof. John Owusu Gyapong, thanked delegates for their dedication and vibrant engagement throughout the three days, noting that the rich exchanges and collaborative spirit demonstrated ARUA’s growing strength and shared purpose. He expressed deep appreciation to keynote speakers, panelists, and partners for elevating the dialogue on Africa’s research and innovation future, and extended special recognition to the organising committees and Secretariat for their tireless work behind the scenes. He also encouraged members to continue building on the momentum and translating ideas into action across the continent.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice Chancellor of Makerere University the host, expressed deep appreciation to the delegates for their active participation and commitment throughout the three days, noting that their engagement reflected the strength and promise of Africa’s research community. He commended the Secretariat and the organising committee for delivering a seamless and impactful event, especially during a period of leadership transition, and congratulated them for upholding the high standards of ARUA. Reflecting on the future of artificial intelligence on the continent, he reaffirmed that Africa cannot afford to trail behind in the next technological era, emphasizing that the conversations and innovations shared at the conference are clear proof that the continent has the talent, vision and will to lead.
Prof. Sizwe Mabizela Chairperson ARUA Board and the Vice Chancellor, Rhodes University expressed deep gratitude to Makerere University, Uganda, and all contributors, from planners to ushers and cultural performers. He highlighted the conference’s central insight: AI must empower and advance human creativity rather than replace it. He urged Africa to take full charge of its destiny through research, innovation, and unity, reminding participants that history will judge this generation by the solutions it builds. He officially closed the conference with wishes for safe travel and a call for peace.
The final roundtable discussion brought together senior university leaders to chart how African institutions can translate bold AI ideas into grounded action. Moderating the session, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo the Vice Chancellor, University of Ghana, framed the conversation around three guiding themes: responsible integration of AI in research and teaching, building sustainable funding and governance systems, and positioning ARUA universities at the center of Africa’s AI future.
Dr. Nomakwezi Mzilikazi, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships at Rhodes University emphasized that universities must begin by defining the real problems AI should solve for African societies, and embed those questions into institutional missions, engaged research, and capacity building.
Prof. Sarah Ssali cautioned that technology is never neutral and reminded participants that AI must reflect human dignity, agency, and African knowledge traditions, not simply mirror Western systems or deepen global and gender divides. She called for intentional policies, cultural awareness, and protections for indigenous and marginalized communities whose knowledge and identities are often overlooked.
Drawing from industry-facing experience, Prof. David Asamoah, Vice-Chancellor of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Ghana stressed that universities must move beyond isolated pilots and adopt ecosystem thinking, interoperability, national frameworks, phased implementation, and strong links with industry to scale AI meaningfully.
Speaking virtually, Prof. Francis Peterson, Vice Chancellor of the University of Pretoria, encouraged institutions to develop and share higher-education AI frameworks, case studies, and collaborative models, and to build stronger partnerships outside academia to turn research into practice.
Prof. Oluyemisi Bamgbose, SAN, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Strategic Partnerships, University of Ibadan, Nigeria emphasized the legal and ethical backbone needed to support all these ambitions, outlining governance structures, transparency, intellectual property safeguards, and accountability systems that protect academic integrity without choking innovation.
The last day of the conference also featured two forward-looking keynote addresses that grounded the conversation in real-world application and evidence. Darlington Akogo, Founder and CEO of minoHealth AI Labs, demonstrated how Africa can lead in health innovation by designing and deploying AI tools developed on the continent, for the continent. Samantha Carter, Senior AI Policy Manager at J-Pal, followed with a data-driven case for using AI to tackle inequality and poverty.
In closing, Prof. Gyapong announced that the next ARUA Biennial Conference will be hosted by Rhodes University in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, from 27th to 29th October 2027. Delegates were encouraged to mark their calendars and begin preparing for meaningful engagements on how AI can be harnessed to better shape Africa’s future.
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