_{By Ritah Namisango}

Makerere University has received a total budget of UGX 369.3 billion shillings for the financial year 2022/2023 to be distributed among the 47 budgeting units of the University following the approved work plans and procurement plans.

Speaking during the Budget Execution meeting held on Tuesday 19^th July 2022 at the Makerere University Yusuf Lule Central Teaching Facility Auditorium, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe applauded the leadership and staff involved in the budget process for the good performance realized last financial year (2021/2022).

“I thank you for doing a good job. I am here to encourage you to continue doing the good work. Let us continue to be transparent.”

As we commence the financial year 2022/2023, the Vice Chancellor rallied the meeting consisting of members of the University Management, Principals, Deputy Principals, Deans, Heads of Units, College Bursars and staff from the Finance Department to pay more attention to efficiency, timelines and compliance with the financial guidelines and policies.

“When you receive a requisition, study it and clear it immediately. If you need additional information regarding the requisition, write a note on the requisition form and send it immediately to the originating office or responsible officer,” said Professor Nawangwe.

Recalling an interaction he had with Mr. Ramathan Ggoobi, the Permanent Secretary-Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and the ongoing engagement with Accounting Officers, Professor Nawangwe highlighted that it is going to be very tough for the University and other government entities to request for supplementary funding/budgets.

“The Permanent Secretary has indicated that he will not tolerate requests for supplementary funding. So, as people responsible for ensuring that Makerere University’s financial resources are managed well, there is need to understand the new dispensation. The budget process should be accorded priority and everyone should pay attention to detail,” said Professor Nawangwe.

The Vice Chancellor commended the University Secretary, Mr. Yusuf Kiranda and the Acting University Bursar, Mr. Lubowa Ssebina Gyaviira for organizing the budget execution meeting aimed at bringing every member of staff involved in the budget process and execution on board.

The University Secretary, Mr. Kiranda who is also the Accounting Officer of the University stressed the need to effectively utilize financial resources with adherence to timelines, work plans and procurement plans.  He emphasized the need for team work and the commitment of every member in the budget cycle and chain for the successful implementation of the budget as well as improved service delivery.

“I encourage each and every one of us to provide financial information and documents on time. If any staff member involved in the process delays a requisition or delays to provide the required information, the entire chain is affected. We should therefore uphold team work, efficiency and transparency,” said Mr. Kiranda.

He underscored the need to align the procurement of items to availability of funds. Mr. Kiranda cautioned staff against authorization of procurement of goods and services without making reference to the approved budget.

“Do not authorize procurement without money/budget. If you authorize procurement of items without a budget, you are committing an offence, and as such, the particular member of staff will be required to commit personal resources to pay,” he said.

The Acting University Bursar, Mr. Lubowa Ssebina Gyaviira reiterated the cardinal principle of engagement of stakeholders following a bottom-top approach during the development of the budget. He advised participants to prioritize activities that should not be delayed with reference to the mandate of the respective units.

Responding to the question from one of the College Bursars regarding refund of personal money used to fund university activities, Mr. Lubowa guided as follows: “Before you carry out any activity for which you hope to request for a refund, the first step should be ensuring that you receive authorization from the mandated office/officer.”

One of the participants, Mr. Paul Agaba who is the Manager of Procurement and Disposal Unit reminded members of staff about the on-going pre-qualification of firms/companies interested in providing services to Makerere University.  Mr. Agaba pointed out that the pre-qualification exercise would run up to 5^th August 2022, and requested members of staff to convey the information to reputable firms/companies especially service providers of items from Science based Colleges/Units to apply for pre-qualification. He assured the audience that firms that satisfy the requirements would be listed among the pre-qualified service providers.

Closing the budget execution meeting, the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration), Professor Henry Alinaitwe appealed to everyone to perform his or her role with strict adherence to financial guidelines, rules and procedures.  Professor Alinaitwe re-echoed the need for transparency as well as accountability for resources received to execute university activities.

Professor Frank Mwiine, the Principal of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-Security (CoVAB) led the prayer calling upon God to bless the deliberations.  The Principal Public Relations Officer, Ms Ritah Namisango moderated the budget execution meeting.