MJAAR

The Influence of Internal Auditing Practices on Financial Accountability in Wakiso District Local Government, Uganda

Nayombi Shakirah, Kabanda Richard


Abstract

This study examined the influence of internal auditing practices on financial accountability in Wakiso District Local Government, Uganda. Internal auditing is widely regarded as a key mechanism for promoting financial accountability in public institutions, yet its contribution in Ugandan local governments remains under-examined. The study investigated how audit independence, audit planning and scope, internal control review, and audit reporting and follow-up relate to financial accountability. A cross-sectional survey design with a mixed-methods approach was adopted, and data were collected from 175 respondents comprising internal auditors, finance and accounting staff, and management using structured questionnaires and interviews. Descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis, Pearson correlation, and structural (path) analysis were used. Factor analysis confirmed the construct validity of the internal auditing dimensions, which loaded onto coherent factors and explained 68.5% of the variance. The results revealed a strong positive and significant relationship between internal auditing practices and financial accountability (r = 0.68, p < 0.01), with the practices jointly explaining 66.0% of the variance in financial accountability (R² = 0.660). Audit reporting and follow-up (β = 0.32) and audit independence (β = 0.30) emerged as the strongest path predictors. The study concludes that internal auditing significantly enhances financial accountability and recommends strengthening audit reporting and follow-up, audit independence, and internal control review.

Keywords

internal auditing financial accountability audit independence audit follow-up local government
Metropolitan Journal of Academic and Applied Research

Cite This Article

Nayombi Shakirah & Kabanda Richard (2026). The Influence of Internal Auditing Practices on Financial Accountability in Wakiso District Local Government, Uganda. Metropolitan Journal of Academic and Applied Research, 5(8). https://journals.miu.ac.ug/pages/article.php?article_id=752

More in This Issue

View full issue →
16
The Influence of Business Strategy on the Performance of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Wakiso District, Uganda
Akatugumya Olivia, Kabanda Richard
business strategy SME performance differentiation innovation strategy
17
The Influence of Domestic Violence on Child Education: A Case Study of Primary Schools in Nsangi, Wakiso District, Uganda
Emuduk John Stephen, Sekito Arafat
domestic violence child education psychological abuse household instability
18
The Influence of Government Subsidies and Price Support on Agricultural Productivity: A Case Study of Balawoli Sub-County, Kamuli District, Uganda
Kawongolo Paul, Natukunda Charles
government subsidies price support agricultural productivity input subsidies
19
The Parental Term: Understanding The Role Of Parents During School Holidays In Uganda
Dr Arinaitwe Julius, Dr Namara Mable, Dr Kamusiime B. Samuel
School holidays parenting Uganda child development
20
The Politics Of Abolition And The Persistence Of Plural Marriage: A Personal Reflection On Uganda's Local Government And Family Structures
Dr Arinaitwe Julius, Dr Namara Mable, Dr Kamusiime B. Samuel
Plural marriage polygamy Uganda local government