By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
Former Principal Judge of the High Court, Canon Justice James Ogoola, has urged internal auditors to champion integrity and adopt Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance accountability and national development.
Speaking at the 19th Annual Internal Auditors Conference held Wednesday at Speke Resort Munyonyo, Justice Ogoola said auditors play a critical role in preserving societal values and ensuring economic stability.
“Your work can save society and the country. Stand for integrity against banditry, stand for what is right against what is wrong. Auditors are the beacon of honour. You build trust and hope in the nation,” he said.
Ogoola also emphasized the importance of embracing AI, warning that resisting technological progress would hinder the profession’s effectiveness.
The three-day conference, organised by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Uganda, was held under the theme “Engage and Inspire for Change.”
Outgoing IIA Uganda President, Moses Kasakya, called on auditors to move beyond traditional roles and position themselves as “trusted advisors” to both their organisations and the nation.
“We must apply professional skepticism, demonstrate foresight, and uphold ethical leadership to remain relevant and impactful,” Kasakya said, stressing the need for continuous capacity building in emerging technologies, risk management, and regulatory frameworks.
“These are not just professional imperatives, they are national priorities,” he added. 
Conference chairperson Ronald Kirungi noted that digital adaptability is essential for auditors to help their institutions navigate an increasingly uncertain environment.
Echoing similar sentiments, Deputy Governor of the Bank of Uganda, Prof. Augustus Nuwagaba, warned that auditors who fail to embrace digital transformation risk becoming obsolete.
The conference brought together internal audit professionals from across the country, focusing on strategies to enhance institutional governance, transparency, and resilience amid rapid technological and economic changes.
