Uganda’s Accountant General, Lawrence Ssemakula, has been nominated for inclusion and induction into the prestigious Uganda Development Champions Journal for the 2024/2025 edition. This recognition celebrates public officials who have made outstanding contributions to Uganda’s transformation journey.
The Uganda Development Champions Journal is curated by Public Opinions, a reputable think tank with patrons including President Museveni and former Premier Amama Mbabazi. With liaison offices globally, including in the USA, Public Opinions has been conducting surveys to identify and recognize exceptional contributors to Uganda’s development for over a decade. The organization partners with several North American and EU missions and embassies in Kampala.
According to Public Opinions, Ssemakula’s recognition “is a testament to his tireless efforts towards the socio-economic transformation of Uganda.” The organization’s website highlights his over two decades of experience in public financial management, during which he has played a crucial role in various government reform initiatives. Notably, he has chaired several task forces responsible for implementing the Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS), Electronic Funds Transfer system, Treasury Single Account (TSA), and salary decentralization.
Ssemakula’s public service career began in 2001 as Assistant Commissioner for Accounts in charge of Foreign Funds at the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development. Under the mentorship of esteemed civil servants such as Chris Kissame and Keith Muhakanizi, he rose through the ranks to become Commissioner for Accounts and subsequently Accountant General in 2014. Prior to his government career, he worked at Nile Hotel International for 11 years, eventually serving as Financial Controller.
His professional qualifications include being a Fellow of ACCA (UK), a member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda, an MBA from the prestigious Heriot-Watt University – Edinburgh Business School, and a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) from Makerere University. Additionally, he has undertaken specialized training in debt management, public expenditure management, and strategic policy planning, making him an invaluable asset to the Government of Uganda’s treasury department.
Ssemakula has received various accolades for his contributions to public financial management, including awards for innovation, hard work, and time management. He is highly respected in the accounting profession and served as a member of the East and Southern African Association of Accountants General (ESAAG) from 2017 to 2019.
As Accountant General, Ssemakula oversees several key projects, including the Electronic Government Procurement project and the Resource Enhancement and Accountability Project (REAP). He also chairs the Accountability Systems and Compliance in Budget Execution under REAP.
