The 10th Accountancy Service Awards (ASA) organized by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU) have been hailed by the business community as a milestone in strengthening professionalism, ethics, and excellence within Uganda’s accountancy fraternity.
The event, held in Kampala, not only recognized outstanding individuals and institutions but also underscored the profession’s growing influence in national development and corporate governance.
Speaking at the ceremony, ICPAU Chief Executive Officer CPA Derrick Nkajja reiterated the institute’s commitment to upholding integrity in the profession, urging Ugandans to seek services only from licensed accountants and report unregistered practitioners who undermine public trust.
“Professional integrity is not a privilege but a responsibility,” Nkajja emphasized, adding that public vigilance is critical to building confidence in financial reporting and governance.
The Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development (General Duties), Hon. CPA Henry Ariganyira Musasizi, who served as Chief Guest, congratulated ICPAU for a decade of celebrating excellence.
He lauded the institute’s efforts in professionalizing Uganda’s financial sector and pledged continued government support through capacity building, continuous professional development (CPD), and the professionalization of accounting cadres in public service.
Quoting Colossians 3:23 — “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord” — Hon. Musasizi reminded accountants that true national impact stems from diligence, patriotism, and ethical leadership.
He also wished Ugandans a happy Independence Day in advance, noting that serving the country with excellence is the ultimate honour.
Among this year’s top honourees was CPA Ben Patrick Kagoro, recipient of the Gold Service Award 2025 for his 28 years of service to the accountancy profession. Kagoro, who has mentored numerous accountants and championed governance reforms, was praised for his humility and dedication.
“When you have brilliant staff around you, do not suppress them. Let them shine — that’s how you build the future of your organisations and our profession,” he said in his acceptance speech.
CPA Gloria Tuhaise Wakooba, Director of Procurement and Disposal at the Bank of Uganda, was named CPA of the Year 2025 for her exemplary leadership, mentorship, and contribution to institutional transparency.
CPA Irene Mwoyogwona, Head of Finance at Pride Bank, took home the Woman Accountant of the Year award for her transformational leadership and community service.
The Young Accountant of the Year award went to CPA Stephen Muchelule of Grant Thornton Uganda, recognized for his excellence in audit and taxation, mentorship, and training of upcoming professionals. “Through such recognition, we not only celebrate our profession but also show the world the impact of accountancy in driving progress,” he said.
In the institutional categories, Abdul & Associates won Accounting Firm of the Year, while Quality Chemical Industries Ltd (QCIL) received the Finance Team of the Year award. MAT Abacus Business School was honoured as Institutional Partner of the Year for its investment in leadership development and professional education.
Deogratius Habimana of UBC TV was named Media Personality of the Year, and Ann Ssebunya, an advocate and founder of the Drugs Hapana initiative, received the Unique Humanitarian Service Award for her work promoting mental health and drug abuse prevention.
Business leaders and analysts have since commended ICPAU for using the awards to elevate the visibility and prestige of the profession.
“The awards no longer feel like a formality; they now stand as a symbol of accountability and professional pride,” said a senior partner at a Kampala audit firm. Others noted that the call to engage only licensed accountants is a timely safeguard for investors and the public amid rising cases of financial misreporting.
Experts also highlighted ICPAU’s growing role in aligning Uganda’s financial practices with global standards. The institute has been instrumental in promoting the adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and Sustainability Disclosure frameworks, positioning Uganda as one of Africa’s early movers in corporate transparency and ESG reporting.
Additionally, ICPAU continues to encourage accountants to take active roles in climate finance and the green economy, showing how the profession can extend beyond traditional bookkeeping to strategic advisory functions that drive sustainability and responsible business growth.
Despite the progress, some analysts caution that regulation must be matched with enforcement. Without adequate funding for inspections and disciplinary follow-up, they warn, unlicensed practitioners could continue to operate unchecked, undermining public trust.
As the Accountancy Service Awards marked a decade, it was clear that the celebration was not just about recognition — it was a reaffirmation of purpose. With its renewed focus on ethics, innovation, and service, ICPAU’s 2025 awards have set a new benchmark for professional excellence, reminding accountants across Uganda that integrity remains the cornerstone of progress.