The University of Kigali (UoK) has been named the winner in the Education Sector at the 4th Financial Reporting and Excellence Awards 2026, organised by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Rwanda (ICPAR).
The prestigious recognition highlights the University’s commitment to financial transparency, accountability, sound financial governance, and excellence in financial reporting, reaffirming its focus on responsible and sustainable management of institutional resources, it observed in a statement.
The award was presented to UoK Chief Financial Officer, CPA Edwin Mungai Waithaka, during the awards ceremony held at Paramount Hotel in Kigali under the theme, "Advancing Transparency and Sustainability in Financial Reporting for Inclusive Growth.”
The annual awards recognise organisations across different sectors that demonstrate excellence in financial reporting, accountability, governance, and sustainable business practices.
For institutions of higher learning, effective financial reporting goes beyond regulatory compliance. It provides a critical foundation for strategic planning, prudent resource allocation, financial accountability, stakeholder confidence, and long-term institutional sustainability.
Accurate and reliable financial information enables institutional leaders and governing bodies to make informed decisions while strengthening confidence among partners, regulators, employees, students, and other stakeholders.
Commenting on the recognition, University of Kigali Vice Chancellor, Prof. George Kimathi, said the award reflects the University’s broader commitment to building an institution grounded in strong governance, accountability, and institutional excellence.
"This recognition is a testament to the culture of accountability, transparency and excellence that we continue to build at the University of Kigali. Financial stewardship is not simply about producing accurate reports; it is about ensuring that every resource entrusted to the University is managed responsibly and contributes to our academic mission and long-term institutional sustainability,” Prof. Kimathi said.
He added that sound financial management remains essential to supporting the University’s ambition of transforming education into global impact.
The recognition also underscores the important role of the University’s finance function in strengthening internal controls, financial planning, reporting systems, compliance, risk management, and responsible resource allocation.
Speaking after receiving the award, the UoK Chief Financial Officer, CPA Edwin Mungai Waithaka, described the recognition as a reflection of the University’s continued investment in financial discipline, accountability, and reporting excellence.
"Financial reporting is a fundamental pillar of institutional accountability. At the University of Kigali, we are committed to ensuring that our financial statements and reporting processes provide accurate, timely and transparent information that supports decision-making and strengthens stakeholder confidence. This award motivates us as a team and as management to continuously improve our financial controls, reporting standards and financial governance,” Waithaka said.
Good financial reporting plays an important role in strengthening both institutions and the wider economy. Transparent and credible financial information can enhance investor and partner confidence, support access to financing, strengthen regulatory compliance, reduce the risk of financial mismanagement, and facilitate more effective allocation of resources.
For universities, these principles are particularly important as institutions manage significant investments in academic programmes, infrastructure, technology, research, human capital, and student services. Strong financial governance can therefore contribute to institutional resilience and the sustainable delivery of quality educational outcomes.
Strengthening professional and executive programmes
The recognition comes as the University of Kigali continues to strengthen its School of Professional and Executive Programmes, expanding opportunities for students, professionals, and working individuals seeking to advance their academic and professional careers.
Through its professional education offerings, the University supports learners pursuing qualifications and professional development pathways regulated by professional bodies, including ICPAR. UoK continues to work within the relevant professional and regulatory frameworks to provide learning opportunities that equip students with practical knowledge, technical competencies, and skills relevant to today’s evolving workplace.
As the University continues to grow its professional and executive education portfolio, it is ready to welcome students and professionals who are ready to take the next step in their academic and professional journey.
The recognition also reinforces the University’s commitment to maintaining strong institutional systems and standards that support quality education, professional development, and responsible management.
The achievement comes at an important stage in the University of Kigali’s development as it continues to strengthen its academic programmes, research and innovation, strategic partnerships, infrastructure, professional education, and institutional systems. It further demonstrates the University’s commitment to embedding accountability, transparency, and sustainability across its operations.
The Financial Reporting and Excellence Awards 2026 therefore represent an important recognition of the University’s financial reporting and governance practices. For the University of Kigali, the achievement reinforces its commitment to good governance, responsible financial stewardship, institutional accountability, and sustainable growth as it continues to pursue its vision of transforming education into global impact.