CPA Andrew Kawere, the Deputy Director of Payment Systems Oversight and Policy; National Payment Systems Department at the Bank of Uganda, has tipped CPA Scholarship beneficiaries on how to succeed during their study time as well as their professional lives as they journey towards CPA qualifications.
“These include; being persistent, creating a study plan and being ethical,” said CPA Kawere during the unveiling of the 6th Cohort and the launch of the 7th edition of the Student Scholarship Programme (SSP) held at the Protea Hotel by Marriott Kampala Skyz on 15th January 2025.
CPA Kawere, who was the Chief Guest, has made significant strides in his career. From his early days as a university student, where he balanced his Bachelor of Commerce degree with the CPA course, to his current role as Deputy Director, of Payment Systems Oversight & Policy at the Bank of Uganda, CPA Kawere’s career is a testament to the transformative power of dedication and continuous learning.
He shared his personal story with the beneficiaries of the 6th Scholarship Programme and advised the beneficiaries to create professional networks as they pursue their CPA Qualification, arguing that they will not only be important in passing the examinations but also key in finding jobs and growing their professional careers.
“Time and tide wait for no man,” he noted while emphasising that it’s not luck that this pool of 10 students were selected as beneficiaries out of the 395 applicants to the programme. He encouraged them to keep focused and complete the course in the stipulated time in accordance with the scholarship programme.
CPA Charles Byaruhanga, standing in for the CEO, highlighted that the ICPAU Scholarship Programme is an ongoing scheme designed to create rich accountancy talents for the Ugandan Economy.
CPA Byaruhanga who doubles as ICPAU Director of Education, encouraged the awardees to keep their eyes on the prize, which is to be top performers in their CPA Uganda course journey.
The Chairman of the ICPAU Education Committee, CPA Dr Albert Otete, stated that the programme was started in 2019 as a way of fostering professional accountancy development in Uganda.
The Vice President of ICPAU, CPA Ronald Mutumba, said the Student Scholarship Programme provides financial aid covering registration, annual fees, exam fees, and study materials.
To be eligible, you must have graduated in 2024 with a First Class Honours or Second Class Upper and submit a 300-word original essay on why you desire to become a professional accountant.
Beneficiaries speak out
Lilian Bukirwa, a beneficiary of the 1st Cohort of the Scholarship, is grateful for the opportunity and encourages the 6th Cohort to focus on the goal of completing the course. She will be graduating from the CPA Course in March 2025 as she continues her journey to the CPA Designation.
Hanifah Nalugo, another beneficiary from the 3rd Cohort, who completed the course in a record time of two and a half years shared that she is committed to availing herself for consultations, engagements and other ICPAU activities as she remains grateful for the scholarship.
CPA Beatrice Wanyirigira, a beneficiary from the 1st cohort, and a fully registers member of the institute shares that it’s key to “plan your time as a student and in your private life”.
The ICPAU Student Scholarship Programme was introduced in 2019 as part of the Institute’s Corporate Social Responsibility programme. The aim is to nurture talent in the field of professional accountancy. The programme is in its sixth cycle and there are 60 beneficiaries to date.
The ICPAU Student Scholarship Programme continues to play a pivotal role in nurturing the next generation of accountants, ensuring they are equipped to contribute to the economic development of Uganda and beyond.