Ugandan institutions must evolve from routine systems to adaptive, mission driven engines of progress if they are to survive economic uncertainty and rapid global change, Uganda Christian University (UCU) Vice Chancellor, Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, has said.
Delivering a keynote address at the 15th Financial Reporting (FiRe) Awards in Kampala, Mushengyezi challenged universities, corporations and government entities to break out of structural inertia by redesigning organisations around purpose, innovation and human impact, not tradition and bureaucracy.
“Institutions must serve people not the other way round,” he emphasised urging leaders to reject organisational habits that drain creativity and slow decision-making.
Mushengyezi noted that resilience is no longer a buzzword but a competitive necessity, pointing to UCU’s own transformation during the COVID-19 period when the university streamlined operations, cut inefficiencies and reinvested in critical capacity, decisions he said made the institution stronger, leaner and financially stable.
He outlined four pillars for institutional longevity that is mission alignment which regularly assessing whether activities truly support organisational purpose, Smart resource investment that is funding what matters most, not what is most familiar, system redesign building processes that serve stakeholders, not frustrate them, Culture of adaptation where continuously questioning assumptions and embracing fresh approaches
His remarks resonated strongly at a time when organisations globally are being pressured to rethink governance, sustainability and long-term value creation.
The event, convened by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU), brought together policy makers, financial experts and corporate leaders under the theme: “Sustainability Practices and Reporting in Uncertain Global Times.”
Meanwhile, Uganda Securities Exchange CEO Paul Bwiso revealed plans to issue new sustainability reporting guidelines for listed firms, signalling a broader shift toward responsible business disclosure in the country.