12th CPA Economic Forum Set for Next Week  

The Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda (ICPAU) will hold the 12th CPA Economic Forum from 3 – 5 July 2024 at the Imperial Resort Beach Hotel, Entebbe, and online.

This year’s forum, running under the theme: “Enhancing the Productive Sectors for Sustainable Development”, seeks to highlight new approaches for developing and harnessing the potential of the productive sectors.

“Through the National Development Plans, the Government has continually emphasised the promotion of the productive sectors such as agriculture, industry and services, for these have over time proven to be potential generators of household income and employment opportunities,” said CPA Derick Nkajja, the Chief Executive Officer of ICPAU.

“Therefore, it is important for the government to prioritise the productive sectors of the economy in this country, if we are to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2040,” he added.

The forum will cover nine areas namely: Vocational education (empowering the youth for socio-economic development), contribution of the transport infrastructure on economic development, the impact of tax policies and practices on domestic revenue mobilisation, the impact of corruption and fraud on the economy, global and regional geopolitics (market access for goods and services), leveraging Uganda’s night economy, public debt management and its impact on the economy, nature and health (taking advantage of our natural environment) and nurturing the manufacturing sector for sustainable development.

Some of the expected speakers are: Hon. Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda – Member of Parliament for Kira Municipality, Mr Corti Eliab Paul Lakuma – Senior Research Fellow, Economic Policy Research Centre, Hon. Beti Olive Namisango Kamya Tirwomwe – Inspector General of Government, Dr Fred Muhumuza – Director Economic Forum, Makerere University Business School, Mr Brian Muyomba of Makerere University Business School, Dr Michael Ntumwa – General Practitioner, Aga Khan University Hospital, Dr Ezra Muhumuza – Executive Director of Uganda Manufacturers Association

Mr Ndebesa Mwambutsya – Political Scientist, Dr Eddy Turyateemba – Assistant Commissioner Vocational Education, Ministry of Education & Sports, Mr Moses Kaggwa – Director of Economic Affairs; Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, CPA Silajji Kanyesigye Baguma – Team Leader, RKA & Company and Mr Allan Kayongo, the Senior Planner – Strategic Planning at the National Planning Authority.

Among the expected participants at this year’s Forum are accountants, tax consultants, economists, policymakers, entrepreneurs, investment experts, government officials, policymakers, development enthusiasts, and other professionals.

The Forum is an economic policy think tank that generates thought leadership discussions aimed at developing economic policy recommendations and forwards the same to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development as input into the national budgeting process.

In addition to the policy debate sessions, participants will be treated to a broad range of offerings including a medical camp and entertainment sessions from Uganda’s leading performers like Vinka, B2C, Afrigo Band, Simon Base Kalema and Ronnie Mcvex.

Leisure activities like aerobics, joy sailing on Lake Victoria, a visit to the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, a visit to the Botanical Gardens, and games like golf and football are part of the package.

The 12th CPA Economic Forum is organised by ICPAU in partnership with MTN Uganda, Bank of Uganda, Grant Thornton, Ernst & Young, Electoral Commission, Uganda Tourism Board, National Social Security Fund, NCBA Bank, Goldgate Certified Public Accountants, PKF Uganda, Uganda National Oil Company, and PostBank Uganda.