EU and Poland Boost Uganda's Audit Capacity with Shs9 Billion Project

Uganda’s Office of the Auditor General (OAG) is set to receive a significant boost in its capacity to scrutinize public funds, thanks to a €2 million (about Shs9 billion) twinning project funded by the European Union. This two-year initiative, a collaboration between the OAG and Poland’s Supreme Audit Office, aims to bolster accountability and transparency in the management of public resources.

The project will focus on three critical areas: enhancing information technology auditing skills, strengthening oversight in the energy and extractive sectors, and advancing the professional development of Ugandan auditors according to international standards. This will involve specialized training, the creation of new audit methodologies, and pilot audits designed to improve the effectiveness of public resource scrutiny.

With public institutions increasingly relying on digital systems, the project will equip auditors with the skills to assess these systems, identify cybersecurity threats, detect fraud, and gain assurance over digital operations. Similarly, given the strategic importance of the energy and extractive industries, auditors will be trained to better examine complex government investments and operations within these sectors.

Poland’s Ambassador to Kenya and Uganda, Marcin Kubiak, highlighted that his country would share its expertise in cybersecurity, public sector digitalization, and advanced data analytics. The Auditor General of Uganda, Edward Akol, emphasized that the project’s success would be measured by improvements in audit processes, the quality of findings, and the extent to which audits contribute to better public service delivery. He noted the evolving demands on auditors necessitate modernization to effectively respond to emerging risks.

The European Union delegation expressed pride in supporting this initiative, aligning with Uganda’s development plans and strategic priorities to improve audit quality and prepare public audit institutions for future challenges. Professor Ephraim Kamuntu, Minister of Internal Affairs, underscored the project’s importance as Uganda pursues economic transformation and digitalizes public services, stressing the need for strong institutions to promote good governance.