By Patrick Opio
Senior Communications Officer
Lira University Audit and Risk Management Committee members have underscored the importance of prompt and transparent accountability which leads to improved efficiency, reduced corruption and enhanced stakeholder trust.
The Committee Chairperson, Dr.Rosie Agoi, noted that prompt accountability of the University resources will produce better quality assurance and greater financial sustainability. She was addressing the Committee meeting held at Public Health Board Room on 23rd October 2025.
Dr. Agoi revealed that timely and effective accountability fosters a culture of good governance by aligning decisions with the university goals and providing clear performance metrics, which boosts staff morale and strengthens the university’s reputation.
“We can attract further fundings only if we spend what we get as per the guidelines, financial regulations and account for them timely,” she said.
Dr. Agoi encouraged the University Management Team to always implement the Committee resolutions in time and report back in subsequent meetings.
She hailed Audit team for their good performance, adding, auditing helps the university in improving financial accuracy and management, enhancing credibility with stakeholders and strengthening internal controls to detect and prevent fraud.
The University Council Chairperson, Mr. David Geoffrey Opiokello said the current 3rd Council comprises of experienced, exposed and knowledgeable members capable of providing strategic leadership for effective governance, ensuring the university aligns with national and global practices and has sound financial management.
Mr. Opiokello, former Deputy Governor, Bank of Uganda, added the Council members’ expertise will improve decision-making, enhance community engagement, and build strong relationships between the university, central government, and other stakeholders, ultimately benefiting the institution and its community.
“I therefore implore the University Management to effectively tap these resources(Council) for the development of the University,” he advised.
Mr. Opiokello explained that effective audit underscores better planning and budgeting, and they serve as a mechanism to ensure compliance with Financial Regulations, providing an independent appraisal of financial transactions, leading to more accurate financial statements and better-informed decisions regarding income, expenditure, assets, and liabilities.
By confirming the accuracy of financial data, Mr. Opiokello said, audits enable University Management to create more realistic and effective budgets for the future.
Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor(Administration/Finance), Hasahya Nathan Hagobi (CPA) said the University Management believes in strengthening the University credibility through openness in processes and decision-making, building trust among students, staff, government, and the wider community.
To improve decision-making, CPA. Hagobi, also the University Bursar said, accountability mechanisms, such as performance audits and clear reporting, ensure that decisions are made in a consistent and fair manner. He added that the Management’s transparency will continue to enhance a sense of trust and partnership between the university and its stakeholders, encouraging greater civic engagement and support.
Ms Nellie Florence Okullo noted that to avert risk and fraud, regular or quarterly internal auditing is paramount. “Timely auditing and reporting will help us detect and prevent fraud or errors by identifying weaknesses in internal controls, which can act as a deterrent to fraudulent activities,” she observed.
The Internal Auditors Team, headed by the Deputy Chief Internal Auditor, Mr. George Richard Ojolai, in their audit report, recommended improvements to internal control systems, to make the university’s operations more efficient and effective.
Hon. Dickens Odongo lauded the auditors for providing an objective assessment of the university’s performance, promoting transparency and accountability, which can build trust with stakeholders. To improve the University service delivery, Hon. Odongo said, a system where management is accountable to stakeholders leads to better outcomes in teaching, research, and other services.
Mr. Jokenne Okee Timothy said the audit reports provided objective insights into areas of interest to management, helping them make better strategic decisions. “Management and staff are to take such reports in good faith…just for improvement of services in areas of concern,” he said.
Other members and others in attendance were Ms. Anna Grace Auma (Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor-Academics, also Dean Faculty of Nursing/Midwifery)Mr. Oyang Atubo Augustine (University Secretary), Mr. Anthony Elemu (deputy Bursar), Ms. Lydia Amongi (Assistant University Secretary), Mr. Patrick Opio (Senior Communications Officer), Mr. Oweka Denis (Senior Internal Auditor), Mr. Denis Opio Otema (Senior Assistant Secretary) and Ms Maureen Assimwe (Senior Administrative Officer).
The Committee resolved and recommended pertinent issues to enhance the University’s strategic and policy direction, effective governance and administration, community and stakeholder engagement, among others.
