General
GAMSU Trains Mak Accountants on Compliance to Grants Financial Policies
By Elvis Lubanga
The Grants Administration and Management Support Unit (GAMSU) on 29th June 2023 trained accountants and project administrators at Makerere University on finance policies and procedures regarding grant administration and management, so as to ensure transparency and smooth processes in the auditing of grants.
The training was conducted during a workshop at the Telepresence Conference Hall in the Senate building, Makerere University, which was attended by College Accountants, Project Accountants, and Project Administrators, who gained valuable insights from prominent figures in the university’s financial leadership.
Professor Sylvia Antonia N. N. Tamusuza, the head of GAMSU emphasized the importance of empowering accountants and project administrators with the necessary knowledge and skills to facilitate grant acquisition and ensure compliance. She noted that “GAMSU intends to facilitate the acquisition of grants and promote adherence to policies. “
Evarist Bainomugisha, the University Bursar, highlighted the university’s grant policies and procedures while emphasizing the crucial role of the financial team in supporting grant administration. He cautioned the administrators and accountants to refrain from projects that are not appropriated by the government of Uganda, to avoid adverse consequences during audits.
George Turyamureba, the head of Finance at GAMSU, emphasized the significance of adhering to policies and procedures governing quarterly reporting, which are imperative in grant management. He added that timely and accurate reporting was highlighted as vital, with accountants playing a pivotal role in providing and updating ledgers on behalf of Principal Investigators.
During the workshop, Turyamureeba highlighted several challenges encountered in the consolidation of the quarterly reports, such as inconsistent reports and information, non-compliance with reporting formats, inadequate knowledge to perform assigned tasks, and mixing reporting currencies, among others.
CPA Christine Ninsiima, an accountant at GAMSU, who facilitated a session on data entry on to the GAMSU database emphasized the need for cooperation among all stakeholders to simplify the reporting process, stating, “If we collaborate, it will be to our advantage.”
Attendees expressed their appreciation for the knowledge shared, which they said it has not left them the same. Mr. Walter Odoch, the College Bursar at COVAB, said that the workshop deepened their understanding of the university’s grant administration policies and provided practical tips for improving the financial reporting process.
Throughout the workshop, interactive sessions and discussions allowed participants to raise questions and seek clarification on specific challenges they faced. The expertise of the GAMSU finance team and administrators, proved instrumental in addressing these concerns and offering practical solutions.
The Director of Makerere University Jinja Campus, Associate Professor Ronald Kakungulu-Mayambala, has urged students to familiarise themselves with the Safeguarding policy aimed at creating a safer and more inclusive learning environment.
Speaking during the safeguarding policy sensitization meeting held today Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at the Civil Service College, Jinja, Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, emphasized the importance of awareness and adherence to the policy, which seeks to protect students, staff, and other stakeholders from all forms of abuse, harassment, exploitation, and discrimination.
“As Management we want every student to enjoy their stay at the University without being tormented and that can only happen, if students know their rights by reading about different policies on our website. You are meant to be living in a safe environment. We do not want anybody’s dream to be shattered or somebody to drop out from University,” Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, said.
In his speech, Prof. Kakungulu-Mayambala, also called upon students who have complaints but do not know the reporting lines, to approach staff safeguarding champions to make sure that they live in a safe environment.
Addressing guests, Emmanuel Muchake, the Guild Administrator at Jinja Campus, pointed out that the launch of the safeguarding policy is timely because as a University, without creating a conducive environment for teaching and learning, they will not have students graduate.
On Friday, April 4,2025, the Third Deputy Prime Minister and Minister without Portfolio, Right Honourable Lukia Isanga Nakadama, officially launched the Safeguarding Policy and commended Makerere University for crafting a policy that lays out the University’s framework for embedding viable safeguarding measures into its ethos and all institutional activities and processes to: Identify, detect, and act swiftly on safeguarding risks.
The Safeguarding Policy was developed in response to the growing need for institutions of higher learning to implement proactive measures that address concerns related to student welfare, mental health, gender-based violence, and power imbalances in academic settings.
Some of potential safeguarding risks in Institutions of higher learning include emotional distress, Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (SEAH); material loss, financial exploitation, discrimination and neglect, unfair and illegitimate response to civic engagements, cyber security/threats, psychological and emotional harm, substance abuse and physical assault. Discrimination and neglect which are often high risks for students with disabilities and international students.
The safeguarding policy sensitization meeting in Jinja Campus brought together students and staff in a meaningful dialogue on safeguarding issues affecting learning.
The event was graced by Dr. Rodney Rugyema, from the Dean of Students Office, who emphasized the University’s commitment to the well-being of all its members. In his remarks, he highlighted the importance of safeguarding policies in preventing abuse, harassment, exploitation, and other forms of misconduct within the Jinja Campus community.
“Safeguarding is not a one-time action, but a continuous culture of care and accountability. We all have a role to play in ensuring a safe and respectful space for learning and growth,” Dr Rugyema, said.
The sensitization session covered key topics including; recognizing signs of abuse, understanding reporting procedures on the MakSafeSpace and fostering mutual respect among peers.
Participants were encouraged to actively engage and reflect on their roles in upholding safety standards both on and off campus.
Students who attended the sensitization welcomed the initiative, with many expressing optimism that the policy would improve campus safety and encourage victims to come forward without fear of retaliation.
“We have seen issues go unreported in the past because students didn’t know where to turn. This policy provides clarity and assurance that the university is taking these matters seriously,” noted, a third-year student.
The University plans to conduct a series of sensitization workshops and distribute printed copies of the policy to ensure that every member of the campus community is well-informed. This initiative is part of Makerere University‘s broader strategy to reinforce its values of integrity, respect, and protection for all.
The Safeguarding Sensitization Meeting concluded with a collective pledge to uphold safety, dignity, and mutual respect within the University community.
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