Katureebe emphasises importance of internal audit

Chief Justice, Bart Katureebe has emphasized the need to strengthen the role of internal audit, saying it is one of the pillars of any institution.

He made the call speaking at the 11th Annual Internal Audit Conference organised by the Institute of International Auditors Uganda.

The event was at Munyonyo Commonwealth Resort in Kampala on April 14, 2016.

Katureebe hailed the theme of the conference 'Internal Audit, the Engine of Change' saying internal audit was indeed a great and worthwhile idea for the conference.

He noted that good governance, accountability and service delivery, are key in both public and private sectors.

"Internal Auditors must promote and uphold the highest professional and ethical values. You should ensure that your activities are stakeholder-based and value-driven. You should maintain high levels of objectivity and independence throughout your work, and ensure value addition to the organisations you serve,” he said adding; "If you want to reach fast, walk alone but if you want to reach far, walk with others".

Chief Justice Bart Katureebe (centre) discusses with members during the conference

He said the State of Uganda needs the support of all stakeholders in pursuit of its goals towards the much needed improvement of good governance and accountability.

Katureebe also highlighted the establishment of the Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court in 2008, as a specialised division to adjudicate upon corruption and other corruption related offences.  This initiative was closely followed by the enactment of the Anti-Corruption Act No. 5 of 2009.

The operations of the Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court, among other innovations by the Judiciary, have gone a long way towards the improvement of good governance and accountability.

"We hope that with a strengthened and enabled Inspectorate, we shall be able to catch and weed out some of the elements that continue to give the Judiciary a bad name as one of the most corrupt institutions," he added.

Katureebe emphasized that the Constitution puts in place various organs and agencies with the mandate of promoting or performance of an oversight role over the improvement of governance and accountability.

Katureebe explained the importance of the Internal Auditing and the Auditing profession in contributing to the efficient and effective use of resources, reducing corruption and fraud, and improving the overall ethical environment leading to growth and development of our country.

He cited the Constitution, saying any person holding a political or public office that directs or concurs with the use of public funds contrary to existing instructions, shall be accountable for any loss arising from that use.
 
He added that such a person shall be required to make good the loss even if he/she has ceased to hold that office.

“Indeed one area that should be of concern to us all is not only the stealing of public funds but also misuse of public property,” he said.

A cross section of Internal auditors during the 11th annual auditors’ conference

 
The head of the UKaid department for International Development, Jennie Barugh, challenged participants to uphold ethics and to maintain the standards of audit and to see that they meet international levels.

She said when donor agencies give aid they rely much on the reports made by internal auditors that would justify for more support for development in any particular sector.

Former Finance minister, Maria Kiwanuka said it was regrettable that small entrepreneurs suffer big losses in their operations simply because they do not have internal audit departments.

She emphasised the importance of having audit departments with suitable auditors who are well trained to suit, not only the international standards, but also to sustain their businesses from collapsing.