Budgeting Process and Managerial Accountability at Private Universities in Uganda
Abstract
Uganda is one of the most decentralized countries in the world. However, the decision making
structures have remained bureaucratic and the state keeps a watchful eye on both government and private
enterprises especially on the way businesses are conducted mostly through the Financial Intelligence Authority.
This study examined the association between Budgeting Process and Managerial Accountability of Team
University. To examine budgeting process, the study explored budget preparation, budget implementation,
monitoring and evaluation. On the other hand, to examine managerial accountability, the study used financial
accountability, value for money accountability and legal & professional accountability as measures. The study
adopted a descriptive design using quantitative approaches. Data were collected from the study sample of 115
respondents out of 128 population. The study sample involved senior management team, administrators,
academic staff and support staff of Team University. The data collection instruments consisted of a five point
Likert scale survey questionnaire. Collected data were analyzed using SPSS package (version 20) to generate
descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The study found that budget performance evaluation significantly
affected managerial accountability by about 90%, while budget preparation and budget implementation
appeared to reduce managerial accountability. The study concluded that budgeting process strongly influences
managerial accountability by about 75.0%. In recommendation, management of Team University should allow
stakeholders to influence university‟s budget decisions and should consider incorporating key stakeholders in
the budget implementation