As Uganda’s finance and business community converges at the Kampala Serena Hotel this evening for the 9th Annual CFO Awards Gala (2025), Deloitte Uganda Managing Partner Paul Ssali has underscored the importance of the awards in shaping the country’s financial leadership and business resilience.
Organised in partnership with ACCA Uganda, the awards celebrate transformative leadership in finance under this year’s theme: “CFO Vision: Creating Impact and Legacy.”
Speaking ahead of the gala, Ssali described the CFO Awards as “a vital platform for excellence, mentorship, and collaboration” within Uganda’s growing business ecosystem.
“The CFO Awards, now in their ninth year, are a vital part of the Deloitte and ACCA partnership,” Ssali said. “In a rapidly evolving economic environment, the awards highlight best practices, motivate future finance professionals, and promote a culture of ongoing improvement. The finance function is becoming increasingly strategic—these awards help set benchmarks and foster collaboration that strengthens our business ecosystem.”
Creating Impact and Legacy
This year’s theme, he said, resonates deeply with both his personal philosophy and Deloitte’s purpose. “It embodies the dual responsibility of CFOs—to create impact today while building a legacy for tomorrow,” Ssali explained. “It recognises those who not only excel professionally but also inspire others to act with purpose. For Deloitte, this aligns with our mission to make an impact that matters.”
He added that finance leaders should go beyond traditional roles of financial stewardship to focus on sustainability, talent development, and social contribution.
“CFOs should not only drive financial performance but also help build sustainable organisations, nurture future leaders, and contribute to Uganda’s wider economic and social progress,” he said.
Balancing Short-Term Impact and Long-Term Legacy
According to Ssali, Uganda’s CFOs must balance immediate operational success with long-term strategic foresight. “CFOs can achieve this by integrating efficiency and innovation in the short term while investing in people, technology, and sustainability for the future,” he said. “Mentoring future leaders and engaging with the wider business community ensures that today’s actions create enduring value.”
Deloitte’s Role in Nurturing Finance Leadership
Ssali reaffirmed Deloitte’s commitment to supporting Uganda’s finance leaders in navigating the modern CFO agenda.
“Our advisory services equip CFOs with insights on emerging trends, regulatory changes, and risk management,” he said. “We focus on continuous learning and innovation to help finance leaders drive transformation, enhance governance, and build legacies that extend beyond their organisations.”
He noted that Deloitte’s partnership with the CFO Awards brings both global expertise and local relevance to Uganda’s finance landscape.
“We are at the forefront of thought leadership on the evolving role of the CFO—from financial steward to strategic partner and digital transformation driver,” Ssali said. “Our role is to bridge global insights with local realities, uphold high standards of excellence, and nurture a vibrant, future-ready finance community.”
Opportunities and Challenges for Ugandan CFOs
Ssali highlighted both the challenges and opportunities facing Uganda’s finance leaders today, from technological disruption to leadership development.
“CFOs are central to business resilience and transformation,” he noted. “Key challenges include navigating complex regulations, adapting to artificial intelligence, and retaining top talent. But these are also opportunities—to embrace digital finance, foster innovation, and promote inclusive leadership.”
Vision for the Future of Finance Leadership
Looking ahead, Ssali said Deloitte envisions a generation of finance leaders who are catalysts for strategic growth and drivers of sustainable prosperity.
“Our vision is to empower CFOs to lead with agility, resilience, and purpose,” he said. “The CFO Awards play a key role by recognising and inspiring excellence, encouraging continuous learning, and building a community of forward-thinking finance professionals who will shape Uganda’s economic future.”
The 2025 CFO Awards Gala takes place tonight, October 16, 2025, at the Kampala Serena Hotel from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., with NSSF Managing Director Patrick Ayota as the keynote speaker.
The 2025 CFO Awards are proudly sponsored by NSSF, Movit, Bank of Uganda, NCBA, Stanbic Bank, MTN Uganda, SBSL, and Uganda Airlines, whose partnership underscores their shared commitment to celebrating financial excellence and visionary leadership in Uganda’s business community.