11th CPA Economic Forum Set for July 19-21 in Entebbe

The Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU) will hold the 11^th CPA Economic Forum from July 19-21 at the Imperial Resort Beach, Entebbe and online.

CPA Derick Nkajja, the Secretary/CEO of ICPAU, said the theme for the forum is “National Priorities for Socio-Economic Development” which is based on Uganda’s third National Development Plan (NDP III) which is a tool for the achievement of Uganda’s Vision 2040, a transformed society from a peasant to a modern and prosperous country within 30 years.

“In selecting the theme, our aim is to contribute towards ongoing efforts to transform Uganda into a modern and prosperous country,” Nkajja said.

While addressing the press at Millennium Terrace Hotel in Kamwokya on Tuesday, John Bosco Ntangaare, ICPAU Director of Education, said the CPA Economic Forum is a 3-day event organised by ICPAU on an annual basis.

“The discussions at the CPA Economic Forum rotate around issues affecting the economy of the country. These generate important proposals for the government to be included in the National Budget,” said Ntangaare.

He added: “ICPAU is part of the value chain in national management and accountancy as the country strives to attain the upper middle-income status. Hence, the need to advise the government on matters affecting the economy.”

CPA Ambrose Kariyo Mugisha, ICPAU Head of Education and Training, said this year’s major focus rotates around eight key areas; cooperative societies, security, agriculture, labour, education, oil, tourism and industry.

The keynote speaker is the Government Chief Whip, Hon Denis Hamson Obua.

“The Conference generates debates that will be submitted to the Ministry of Finance, to consider while planning for the country,” said Kariyo.

According to CPA David Bunnya Sserebe, Chairman ICPAU Events Management Committee, the CPA Economic Forum was introduced in 2012 as a platform for dialogue between the government and other stakeholders on national economic matters.

“Last year, the conference had over 900 participants, attending both physically and online. It has been recognised several times as one of the best events in the country over the years,” noted Sserebe.

According to Sserebe, several recommendations on matters of economic growth have been made to the government over the years, since the introduction of the Economic Forum.

The conference is open to all individuals since it is everyone’s responsibility to contribute to national economic policy formulation.

This year’s forum will feature artists like Azawi, Vinka and Abeeka Band.

Resolutions from the discussions will be submitted to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development as part of the accountants’ efforts to contribute towards the economy’s growth and priorities for the government’s budget process each year.