Makerere University has inaugurated an innovative online management system designed to monitor the allocation and utilization of research grants across the institution.
Dubbed the Makerere University Grants Management System (MAKGMS), this platform serves as a pivotal tool for tracking the disbursement of funds, scrutinizing expenditure, and facilitating efficient project implementation. Spearheaded by the Grants Administration and Management Support Unit (GAMSU), MAKGMS aims to ensure the judicious utilization of resources while providing comprehensive support to principal investigators.
Professor Sylvia Nakimera Tamusuza, Head of GAMSU, underscored the system’s multifaceted capabilities, emphasizing its role in streamlining grant application processes and fortifying research proposals with requisite documentation. By granting all staff access to grant routes and management support, MAKGMS empowers researchers to navigate the funding landscape with greater efficiency and effectiveness.
Makerere University’s steadfast commitment to fostering a culture of research excellence is underscored by its strategic investment in this pioneering initiative. Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, the University Vice Chancellor, highlighted the imperative of establishing a dedicated unit for monitoring research funding, citing the need for enhanced accountability and transparency in reporting to development partners.
With a directive issued in April 2021, Nawangwe mandated all university staff, particularly principal investigators, to report research funding obtained in the institution’s name to GAMSU within a stipulated timeframe. This proactive measure reflects Makerere’s unwavering dedication to upholding the highest standards of financial stewardship and governance.
Yusuf Kiranda, the University Secretary, emphasized the importance of adhering to regulatory frameworks governing the management of public funds, citing provisions of the Public Finance Management Act. While acknowledging the challenges associated with securing waivers for retaining grant funds, Kiranda underscored the system’s potential to streamline this process by facilitating comprehensive tracking and reporting.
Professor Tamusuza echoed the sentiment of trust-building with sponsors, highlighting the system’s utility in profiling previously overlooked projects and aligning research priorities with institutional objectives. Moreover, MAKGMS serves as a vital tool for project management, enabling stakeholders to monitor project sources and ensure accountability at every stage of the research lifecycle.
