Public Finance Management Systems at the Heart of 3rd PFM Conference

Public sector players are set to convene for a three-day discourse on public finance management systems from 23 – 25 April 2025 at the 3^rd Public Finance Management (PFM) conference.

Organised under the theme, Public Finance Management Systems for Sustainable Service Delivery, public sector players aim to appraise themselves on the progress achieved in implementation and derive approaches for improving systems to enhance sustainable service delivery.

According to CPA Derick Nkajja, the Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU), PFM systems are the backbone of sustainable service delivery, ensuring that public resources are allocated equitably, transparently, and used efficiently.

“We must leverage technology to enhance financial tracking, reporting, and auditing mechanisms, ensuring that every shilling is accounted for and utilised for its intended purpose. Additionally, fostering collaboration among policymakers and development partners will be crucial in identifying and addressing key challenges,” said CPA Nkajja.

“As we deliberate on the best practices and strategies during this conference, let us remain committed to building resilient, efficient, and people-centred PFM systems that drive sustainable development for present and future generations,” he added.

Strengthening PFM systems requires a multi-faceted approach. The focus of the 3^rd PFM conference is:

1. Programme Based Budgeting: Successes and Challenges
2. Sustainable Public Procurement and Disposal for Effective Service Delivery
3. The Accountant’s Role in Public Governance, Risk Management and Oversight
4. A Sustainable State-Owned Enterprise: What it takes
5. Developments in Public Finance Reporting
6. Maintaining Relevancy in Retirement
7. Managing Lifestyle Diseases

The keynote speaker is Prof. Augustus Nuwagaba - Deputy Governor, Bank of Uganda.

Other expected speakers include:

1. Dr. Joseph Muvawala – Executive Director, National Planning Authority
2. Dr. Isaac Kyaligonza – Commissioner, Procurement Policy & Management, Ministry of Finance, Planning & Economic Development
3. CPA Fixon Akonya Okonye – Internal Auditor General, Ministry of Finance, Planning & Economic Development
4. CPA Jeremiah Kato – Head of Enterprise Risk Management, Uganda National Oil Company Limited
5. Dr. John Omagino – Executive Director, Uganda Heart Institute

Organised by ICPAU, the PFM conference serves as a platform for public sector stakeholders to exchange ideas and address challenges that hinder the effective utilisation of public resources. Through innovative solutions for PFM reform, participants seek to enhance efficiency and accountability in public financial management.

The conference aims to empower accountants to apply their expertise in financial management to shape national policy decisions and drive improvements in PFM systems.

Previous gains of public sector dialogue include improvements in implementing the Auditor General’s recommendations.

In addition to Continuing Professional Development (CPD), the conference package includes recreational learning to cater to holistic nourishment. Participants will be treated to aerobics, joy sailing, exercusion to the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC) and fitness walk/jogging session.

There will also be a medical camp with services provided by Entebbe Referral Hospital.

The 3^rd PFM conference will take place at the Imperial Resort Beach Hotel, Entebbe, and online. Partnering organisations are National Identification & Registration Authority (NIRA), National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO), PostBank Uganda, Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) and MTN Uganda.

The conference is organised for accounting officers, accounting and finance professionals, auditors, policymakers, planners, economists, development partners, civil society actors, parliamentarians, and PFM consultants.

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