The top management of Makerere University Business School (MUBS) has expressed their dissatisfaction with recent media reports regarding their appearance before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). These reports, they argue, have painted a misleading picture, suggesting that the current management failed to address audit queries for the financial year 2022/2023.
MUBS management, appeared before PAC on June 4th, 2023, to discuss the audit report for the financial year 2022/2023. During this period, Prof. Balunywa served as the Principal and Accounting Officer of MUBS.
The audit report under review pertained to financial activities that occurred during Prof. Balunywa’s tenure. Despite sensational media claims, it was Prof. Balunywa who was invited and held accountable for the queries raised in the report. Contrary to reports implying that the current management failed to provide explanations, Prof. Balunywa was the one addressing PAC.
During the hearing, Prof. Balunywa answered several audit queries. However, some issues were sustained by PAC, requiring further clarification. Prof. Balunywa requested additional time to fully comprehend these queries and respond comprehensively in writing. As the Accounting Officer during the audit period, he remains responsible for all budgeting, procurement, and financial transactions carried out in that year.
The MUBS top management criticized the media for creating a deceptive narrative that undermines the current administration’s efforts and integrity. They emphasized that the misleading reports do not reflect the actual proceedings or the accountability measures taken by Prof. Balunywa.
“The media reports have unfairly tarnished the image of the current management by implying that they were unable to address the audit queries. The reality is that these queries pertain to the period when Prof. Balunywa was the Accounting Officer. He has taken responsibility and is working on providing detailed responses to PAC.”
The MUBS management remains committed to transparency and accountability. They are confident that with the additional time requested by Prof. Balunywa, all outstanding audit queries will be addressed satisfactorily.
