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