Internal Audit

Uganda Industrial Research Institute's Internal Audit Department was established to provide management and the Board with reasonable assurance that management control systems throughout the Institute are adequate and operating effectively.

Internal Audit provides an independent and objective appraisal of activity for management and furnishes analysis, recommendations, counsel and information concerning the activities reviewed. This includes promoting effective controls at reasonable cost.

Confidence in the institution is paramount if UIRI is going to achieve its stated objectives. The Internal Audit Department provides valuable support in maintaining public confidence by performing independent and objective reviews and reporting findings to management and responsible administrators so that corrective actions or enhancements can be initiated.

The department assists operating management in achieving operating goals by evaluating controls, identifying weaknesses and providing recommendations. Through complete and unrestricted access to records, property and personnel, Internal Audit provides the Institute with an additional resource in meeting these goals.

Internal controls can be categorized as either accounting controls or administrative controls. Accounting controls are designed to safeguard the Institute's assets and ensure the accuracy of financial records.

Administrative controls are designed to promote operational efficiency, effectiveness and adherence to the Institute's policies and procedures. Management is responsible for designing and maintaining an adequate system of internal control.

The Internal Audit Department performs a wide range of audit services for the Institute.

A typical audit includes planning, fieldwork, reporting and follow-up. The audit team collects data and documents the procedures, controls and activities being reviewed. Based on risk assessment, the audit team performs tests and concludes on the adequacy of the control system.

During the audit and at the conclusion of fieldwork, the audit team discusses findings and recommendations with the appropriate staff of the area being audited. A formal discussion on audit findings and recommendations is held with the Executive Director, Director, Supervisor and other responsible officers of the area being audited.

The audit team then issues a draft report summarizing the findings and recommendations. Management responses are incorporated into the draft report along with any agreed changes, after which the final report is distributed to the appropriate management. All audit information is treated as confidential and reported only to those within the Institute who need to know.

The Internal Audit Department reports to the Office of the Executive Director. This reporting structure allows the department to remain independent and report all items of significance to the Executive Director.

With the support of Institute management and the Audit Committee, the Internal Audit Department provides high-quality auditing services that enhance fiscal control.