Effectiveness of public finance management in public universities: a case of Gulu University

Abstract

The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of public finance management at Gulu University. The objectives included identifying factors influencing effective financial management, pinpointing challenges, and proposing strategies for improvement. A mixed-methods approach was used, involving 120 staff members, with 109 respondents participating, including finance staff, registrars, principals, heads of departments, and lecturers. Data collection included interviews with 15 key figures, such as members of the University Council and management, who oversee financial operations. The study found that the Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS) played a crucial role in enhancing transparency and compliance in financial management at the university. However, challenges such as delayed government fund disbursements, inadequate training, inefficiencies in financial systems, and outdated technology were identified as major obstacles. To address these issues, the study recommended improving procurement procedures, leveraging Non-Tax Revenue (NTR) sources, strengthening debt management policies, and increasing government funding. The need to upgrade financial management systems, particularly through the adoption and optimization of IFMS and Electronic Government Procurement (EGP), was also emphasized. Future research should investigate the long-term impacts of IFMS and EGP on financial transparency and efficiency in public universities.