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.
Organised by the Makerere Debating Union – a student-led initiative, the Inter-college Debate Tournament was held on 11th and 12th April 2025 with a vision to leave no student behind by nurturing a community of confident, articulate, and visionary leaders who will drive positive change in society. The tournament was held in three preliminary rounds, followed by semi-finals and a grand finale.
The first round covered democracy and youth participation in politics, while the second round covered inequality and wealth distribution, and the third, the ban on export of raw materials. The semi-final round debated apprenticeship for blue-collar jobs, while the grand finale debated national budget allocations for healthcare and education. In the spirit of inclusivity, all colleges, including the Jinja Campus participated in the tournament.
Commenting on the choice of topics, the organisers noted Makerere University as a bastion of academic excellence has a profound responsibility to cultivate the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of our nation. These leaders, they added, ought to be equipped with 21st century skills of self-expression, critical thinking, and problem-solving so as to navigate the complexities of an ever-evolving world.
On the whole, Makerere Inter-college Debates were conceived as a strategic initiative to foster a culture of intellectual curiosity, creativity, and innovation. The Debating Union aims to empower the future leaders by providing a platform for students to engage in respectful discourse, articulate their thoughts, as well as develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Furthermore, the Debates serve as a platform for not only honing the intellectual prowess of students but also cultivating leadership skills, teamwork, and communication abilities that are essential for success in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. It is envisaged that this initiative will have a lasting impact on the lives of students, by exposing them to debates on topical issues that can shape the mindsets of transformative leaders our nation needs.
After a thrilling two days of debate, Daphine Kemigisha and Jibril Ssekandi from the School of Law (SoL) emerged as winners of the Makerere University Inter-college Debate Tournament 2025, while Olara Emmanuel George from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity (CoVAB) was the Public Speech Champion, and Namujuzi Martha Mociita from the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) was the Poetry Champion.
The 2025 Tournament was organized by Mayanja Owen and Nkalubo Oprah – 91st Guild Representative Councils (GRCs) of the Debate Union, Akatwijuka Arthur – Chairperson Debate Union, and Debate Union Representatives from colleges. The Uganda National NGO Forum (UNNGOF) partnered with the Debate Union to deliver the 2025 edition.
Addressing students at the award ceremony, UNNGOF’s Mr. Derrick Baluuku encouraged the youth to step out of their comfort zones and think of solutions to inspire change in their communities.
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