412 Graduate as ICPAU Celebrates New Generation of Accountants

KAMPALA — The Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU) on Friday celebrated the graduation of 412 finalists from its professional programmes during the 16th ICPAU Graduation Ceremony held at Hotel Africana in Kampala, marking a milestone for a new generation of accounting professionals.

The ceremony, which attracted graduands, industry leaders, families and government officials, officially began with the singing of the national and East African anthems, setting the stage for a day dedicated to recognising excellence and professional achievement.

Delivering opening remarks, ICPAU Secretary/CEO CPA Derick Nkajja welcomed the graduands and guests, describing the ceremony as a celebration of perseverance and dedication in the accountancy profession.

The graduates completed the Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Tax Adviser (CTA), and Accounting Technicians Diploma (ATD) programmes.

ICPAU President CPA David Timothy Ediomu congratulated the finalists, noting that professional qualifications demand resilience and discipline. “Completing a professional qualification is no small feat. It demands sacrifice, resilience, and unwavering commitment,” Ediomu said.

“Professional accountants play a central role in promoting financial integrity, accountability and sound decision-making across both the public and private sectors.”

He added that strong economies depend on transparency and sound financial leadership, roles that accountants are uniquely positioned to support.

Technology and Ethics Key for Future Accountants

The ceremony’s chief guest, George Arodi, Chief Executive Officer of Uganda Baati Limited (Safal Group), urged the graduates to remain adaptable as technology continues to transform the workplace.

“Technology and artificial intelligence are transforming the workplace at an unprecedented pace,” Arodi said. “To stay relevant, we must embrace innovation, continuously learn and leverage digital tools to improve productivity, efficiency and strategic impact.”

He emphasised that ethical conduct remains central to the accounting profession.

“Integrity remains the backbone of this profession. Your credibility in the marketplace will depend on your ethical standards, professional conduct and commitment to transparency in every responsibility you undertake,” he said.

Arodi added that the role of accountants has expanded beyond bookkeeping to shaping organisational strategy.

“Today the profession is not only about recording financial transactions but about shaping strategy, supporting governance, strengthening compliance and contributing to sustainable economic growth,” he noted.

Inspiring Journey from Failure to Success

Keynote speaker CPA Stephen Muchelule, ICPAU’s Young Accountant of the Year, inspired the graduates with a personal story of perseverance.

“At one point in my academic journey, I scored 19 marks out of 600 in an examination,” Muchelule told the audience. “The only person who welcomed me home and helped rebuild my confidence was my mother.”

He said that experience taught him the importance of setting goals and continually revising them.

“Success is driven by vision — and that vision must evolve as your environment changes,” he said. “Your CPA journey may be ending today, but in reality, you are starting another journey.”

Muchelule encouraged the graduates to remain lifelong learners as the profession evolves. “The CPA course is not the end of learning. Technology and artificial intelligence are transforming the profession, so we must continue updating our knowledge and skills,” he said.

Top Candidates Recognised

During the ceremony, ICPAU honoured top performers in the ATD and CTA examinations for May and December 2025.

Among the ATD top candidates, awards went to:

• Able Damalie Kuteesa – Principles of Business & Company Law
• Immaculate Nankinga – Business Mathematics and Statistics and Information & Communications Technology

• Sumaya Kemigisa – Principles of Cost & Management Accounting
• Luke Kasajja – Economics and Entrepreneurship
• Winniefred Nakawuma and Pius Omuna – Financial Accounting
• Joan Oshaba – Principles of Taxation and Principles of Finance
• Janat Balikanda Nampiima – Principles of Auditing

The ceremony also recognised outstanding achievers in the Certified Tax Adviser (CTA) programme, with several candidates receiving merit certificates for exceptional academic performance.

CPA Oath and Celebration

One of the highlights of the event was when the graduates took the CPA oath, pledging to uphold the values of integrity, professionalism and excellence as members of the accounting profession.

The ceremony concluded with a celebratory cake-cutting moment, symbolising the graduates’ transition into the professional community of accountants.

For many graduates, the day represented not just academic success but the beginning of new professional opportunities.