General
Mak PIs & Project Admins Urged to Harmonize the Grants Administration & Management Policy with other University Laws
By Lubanga Elvis
The call for harmonization aims to ensure that individuals involved in grant projects have a comprehensive understanding of how the University Grants Administration and Management Policy aligns with broader University regulations, fostering a culture of compliance and effective grants management. This was during the Grants Administration and Management Support Unit (GAMSU) workshop on the University Grants Administration and Management Policy held at the Food Science and Technology Conference Hall on September 14, 2023, attended by Principal investigators and Administrators from all colleges and Units, who were given informative sessions on financial and procurement policies, legal and audit procedures associated with grants management.
Mr. Yusuf Kiranda, the University Secretary underscored the importance of understanding the Grants Administration and Management Policy in conjunction with the broader university regulatory framework, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to policy compliance.
During her presentation at the workshop, Prof. Sylvia A. Nakimera Nannyonga – Tamusuza, Head of GAMSU assured attendees that GAMSU will continue to serve as a valuable resource, providing guidance and assistance to Principal Investigators, Grants Administrators, and all stakeholders involved in the grant process under the vision of supporting grant acquisition and promoting compliance.
Mr. Gyaviira Lubowa, deputy University Bursar, shared insights into the financial policies and procedures governing grants at Makerere University, where he clarified on financial aspects and accountability, as key for effective grants management.
“Transparency and financial accountability are non-negotiable in grants management,” Mr. Lubowa emphasized.
Ms. Esther Kabinga, senior legal officer shared insights into legal policies and procedures, where she emphasized the importance of compliance and risk mitigation in grants management.
“At Makerere, we adhere to national guidelines, which means we do not accept grants from terrorist-linked organizations or those prohibited by the Government of Uganda” Ms. Kabinga added.
Mr. Paul Agaba, Manager of Procurement, guided on procurement policies and procedures and their impact on grant-related activities.
“In project Management, Own it! “Be present during deliveries, and don’t compromise on standards” Mr. Agaba explained.
Mr. Patrick Okonyet, Manager Internal Audit addressed audit policies and the importance of transparency and accountability in grant management.
He advised attendees to maintain fiscal prudence and transparency when dealing with project funds and properties.
“Audits are not meant to be feared; they are tools for improvement,” Mr. Okonyet further noted.
Mr. Yusuf Kiranda thanked all participants and emphasized the university’s continuous support towards effective grants administration.
By Gerald Ochwo
On 25th March 2025, a delegation of Registrars from Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) undertook a benchmarking exercise at Makerere University, with a specific focus on the latter’s pioneering efforts in academic records digitalization. The delegation, led by Dr. Dickson Kalungi, Ag. Deputy Academic Registrar was received by Mr. Charles Ssentongo, Deputy Academic Registrar in charge of Admissions and Records Division, who represented the Academic Registrar (AR), Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi.
The visit was prompted by Makerere University‘s trailblazing achievements in digitalizing academic records, as exemplified by the Digitalization of Academic Records Project (DARP). This initiative has been instrumental in creating a centralized, digital one stop repository of all University’s academic records, thereby enhancing the efficiency, accuracy, and security of academic records management.
In his welcoming remarks, Mr. Ssentongo conveyed the Academic Registrar’s message and highlighted Makerere University‘s efforts to digitalize all its processes and records. He further noted that the university is intentional about creating a digital ecosystem that makes academic records retrieval easy and efficient.
“As a university, we are now intentional with the digitalization of all our processes including, digitization of our manual records that date as way back as the inception of Makerere University. Currently, the DARP project as gone as far as creating a one stop center for both Academic document verification and certification, whereby our former graduates, will only need to access the online verification and certification portal and submit their documents without necessarily having to travel many physical distances to Makerere University” Mr. Ssentongo remarked.
In his appreciation remarks, the MUST head of delegation, Dr. Dickson Kalungi, thanked the Academic Registrar for honoring their request to come and learn from the best practices that exist at Makerere University and particularly commended the Department for the great steps and strides made in pioneering modern Academic records storage management systems.
“I want to sincerely thank the Office of the Academic Registrar for sparing time and organizing this meeting. As a University, we have embarked on a transformative change drive whereby we intend to automate all our registry processes including, the management of Academic Records. The DARP project at Makerere University, has been one project where we draw a number of lessons and we are eager to go and implement some of the best practices we have observed here today”
Conclusion
The benchmarking exercise undertaken by Mbarara University of Science and Technology demonstrates the significance of Makerere University and particularly, the Office of the Academic Registrar’s achievements in academic records digitalization. The DARP project serves as a model for other institutions to follow, highlighting the importance of investing in digital solutions to enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and security of academic records management. It further demonstrates the university’s commitment to sharing knowledge and best practices with other institutions. Makerere University‘s efforts in digitalizing academic records have set a high standard for other universities to emulate, and the DARP project is a shining example of innovation and excellence in academic records management.
Gerald Ochwo is the Liaison Officer, Office of the Academic Registrar
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